"If Rafa returns, he will do it competitively": Lopez backs friend Nadal to retire at his competitive best in 2024

Feliciano Lopez believes Rafael Nadal will only return and will have his 2024 swansong at a competitive level backing his good friend to do so.

Lopez spoke to Clay Tenis about a myriad of topics and gave an update on his progress saying that while it is always a question mark, he has always played at a competitive level or not at all.

Nadal was seen himself at Lopez' own retirement recently at Mallorca Championships.

"He is fine and his recovery is going well. Knowing Rafa and watching his career, it’s hard for me to see him enter a tennis court without feeling competitive," said Lopez to Clay Tenis.

"If everything goes well, in 2024 we will see him playing well. At what level? It’s difficult to know because it’s a big question mark. It’s been a long time, after the injury at Wimbledon 2022 he played very little. But he has all the rest of the year to recover.

He believes also that he will be refreshed after the rigours of the tour with different focuses since he last played.

"Yes, I’m sure that if Rafa returns to play tennis he will do it competitively. Sometimes being away from the courts helps you to see things differently, to come back with enthusiasm and desire.

"Because keep in mind that being 15 or 20 years at that level of demand saturates you mentally. Being away from your family and your son can help a lot."