(VIDEO) "I appreciate the vote of confidence from the Australian Open": Rafael Nadal responds with training video amid 2024 comeback rumours

Rafael Nadal confirmed via Instagram that he is training to participate in the 2024 Australian Open.

The big news of the day for tennis fans was an interview with Craig Tiley, the director of the Australian Open, who assured that Nadal will return to compete in the tournament he won in 2009 and 2022.

"The return of some of the greats, and those champions who have been off for a couple of years," claimed Tiley.

"We can reveal exclusively here that Rafa will be back. He's been off for most of the year, and in talking to him over the last few days he confirmed he will be back, which we're really excited about. That's awesome,” he added.

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Following the director's statement, speculations began regarding Nadal's return, as the Spanish player had not officially confirmed anything. However, it was Nadal himself, the 22-times Grand Slam champion, who, through his social media, revealed that he was indeed planning his return to Melbourne.

“As you can see I am practising every day and working hard to come back ASAP. I appreciate the vote of confidence from the Australian Open”

The Rod Laver Arena witnessed Nadal's last match when he fell in the second round to Macenzie McDonald, ending his hopes of defending the 2022 title. The Spanish player arrived at the tournament with injuries and eventually had to end his season, despite his efforts to participate in the clay season.

Nadal's remarkable achievement in 2022 allowed him to win his 21st Grand Slam at the Australian Open, despite not being the favorite. In the final, he battled against Daniil Medvedev and made an incredible comeback from being two sets down to secure the title. This temporarily set him apart from Federer and Djokovic in the race for the most Grand Slam titles, as all three of them were tied at 20.

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