Rafael Nadal return edges closer, arrives at Brisbane International and hits the practice courts

Rafael Nadal will return to action in a matter of days at the Brisbane International which kicks off on December 31 and sees the Spanish icon play his first singles match since losing to Mackenzie McDonald and getting injured at the 2023 Australian Open.

A big marquee name for a tournament which has also followed suit on the WTA side, he was greeted at the airport and was also surrounded by photographers while on court taking his first practice shots in a competitive environment again.

He was seen heading towards the practice courts and one of the photographers said: "Welcome home." While Nadal will be the centre of attention throughout most of the season, he himself has limited expectations about what he can achieve.

Albeit with many including Novak Djokovic in Riyadh over the past day saying that he would not return if he wasn't back to 100%. A sentiment echoed by Carlos Alcaraz. The proof will be in the pudding as they say as he plays the Brisbane International for the first time since 2017 where he was seeded fifth and lost to top seed Milos Raonic. Albeit that year proved to be a lucky omen as he won two Grand Slams at Roland Garros and US Open.

A feat he will look to repeat in what could be the final year of the 22-time Grand Slam champion with many expecting a swansong at the Paris Olympics.