"If I'm playing, feeling good and not injured, I'll be back": Craig Tiley confirms response from Rafael Nadal on potential Australian Open return in 2025

Craig Tiley has confirmed that through his talk with Rafael Nadal after withdrawing from the 2024 Australian Open that he plans to return in 2025 if he is playing after disappointing fans with his injury news last week after making his return in Brisbane.

Nadal made his return and won two matches, but had a micro tear in his thigh and spurned five match points against Jordan Thompson. At the time, it looked to be an issue with his other hip, but he merely said it wasn't on the spot it was last year in a way to deflect doubts. But he confirmed later that he did have an injury which would prevent him from playing in Melbourne.

Albeit recent reports have said that he should be back in training next week and so this could see a return in the Middle East or at the latest, Indian Wells or Miami if he doesn't decide to play South American Clay. Tiley said that he would be pushing for a return in 2025 despite it being likely Nadal's final year and Nadal's response has semi confirmed it as an if and not a definite.

The Spaniard has said during his comeback that he is not putting a definitive time stamp on it due to injuries and other circumstances, but that 2024 is likely his final stop.

"He will be ready hopefully in February and I wish him well. I just told him we're looking forward to see him in January 2025," Tiley said on the AO Show podcast. "He didn't say no [to playing in Melbourne next year]. His reaction was, 'If I'm playing, feeling good and not injured, I'll be back.'"