"I don't expect anything from myself, that is the truth": Rafael Nadal gives honest assessment after announcing 2024 tennis return
ATPMonday, 04 December 2023 at 16:42
Rafael Nadal has decided to release an explanation on his thoughts ahead of his documented 2024 return and potentially swansong from the sport of tennis which begins at the Brisbane International in the first week of the new season.
Nadal sat down after releasing his announcement video and admitted that while he believes he is ready to return, he is not expecting anything from himself and nor is he at that point of his career now where he needs to. This is despite Nadal pushing hard for a comeback so he wouldn't end his incredible career losing to Mackenzie McDonald or at his press conference.
"I don't expecting anything" - Nadal
But also the admission was there that he will ride the wave almost and that he knows if the hard work is there, results will come but that unlike when he was at his pomp, he won't beat himself up if he doesn't achieve that right away.
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"I've been afraid to announce things because in the end, it's a year without competing and it's a hip operation. But what worries me the most is not the hip, it's everything else," said Nadal.
"I think I'm ready and I trust and hope things go well and that it gives me the opportunity to enjoy myself on the court. I don't expect anything from myself, that is the truth."
"To have the ability not to demand myself what I have demanded myself throughout my career, I believe I'm in a different moment, in a different situation and in unexplored terrain. I have internalized what I have had throughout my life which is to demand myself the maximum and right now what I really hope is to be able not to do that. To accept that things are going to be difficult in the beginning and to give myself the necessary time."
"Forgive myself if things go wrong at the very beginning which is a very big possibility. But knowing that there may be a not too distant future which things can change if I keep the illusion and the spirit of work and the physique responds to me without any doubt."
Samuel GillEditor-in-Chief
Samuel Gill is the Chief Content Officer (CCO) of TennisUpToDate.com, a role he has held since 2020. He is responsible for editorial governance across the platform, including setting content standards, overseeing accuracy and consistency, and guiding long-term editorial strategy. Since joining, he has contributed more than 10,000 articles and editorial pieces across the TennisUpToDate network, playing a central role in the daily operation and development of the site.
Based in Leicester, Samuel has a broad background in tennis media. In his current role, he works closely with editors and writers to ensure coverage meets clear journalistic standards, with particular attention to verification, consistency, and timely updates when new information becomes available.
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