Alex Corretja cautions Craig Tiley over making any announcement of Rafael Nadal’s participation in the Australian Open following the latest debacle 

Alex Corretja cautions Craig over announcements made about Nadal's comeback.

Alex Corretja cautions Craig Tiley over making any announcement of Rafael Nadal’s participation in the Australian Open following the latest debacle 

(L) Alex Corretja, (R) Rafael Nadal (Via Tennis world, Thinking heads)

Rafael Nadal, the Spanish sensation, has won the hearts of many fans throughout his career through his gameplay and achievements. However, the Spaniard hasn’t been seen on court since his unfortunate loss early in the Australian Open. Since then, fans have been awaiting his return, and according to speculations, the 22-time Grand Slam title champion is set to return in 2024.

Alex Corretja, a former tennis player turned commentator, has toned down the possible return of Rafa. Alex’s being realistic in the interview reveals the possible concerns regarding Nadal’s return. “After taking a while from not playing tennis, I was thinking that Rafa will be the one announcing when he’s going to be back. But the announcement was a bit like a wrong foot for everyone,” revealed the former player in an interview on Eurosports.

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Continuing his train of thought, he further added, But then, after I saw what Rafa said, I felt like, ‘Okay, they need to be very careful what they say about Rafa’s news’. Because it’s still almost three months away from the Australian Open, lots of things can happen, and I don’t think it’s necessary to put the whole pressure on yourself, like, ‘Oh yeah, I’m going to be there’.”

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Corretja has also been eagerly waiting for the clay court master to return and is awaiting an official response from Nadal himself anytime soon. However, due to increasing speculation, Alex believes that the Spaniard must be careful as to what he portrays to his fans.

Related: Rafael Nadal hosts fellow Spanish great Pau Gasol at his Academy, thanks him for the special visit

Alex Corretja speculates the date of Nadal’s possible comeback date

In recent speculations around Nadal’s possible return and farewell season, former tennis player Alex Corretja predicted the comeback date. In a recent interview, the player-turned-commentator speculated about the possible time when Nadal might make his comeback official. “But I’m not expecting that before the middle of December,” revealed Corretja.

Rafael Nadal
Rafael Nadal (Via CNN)

Given that the Australian Open is almost 3 months away, Alex believes that it is not possible to predict anything as of now as there is still plenty of time for the Australian Open and anything can happen in that duration. However, fans await the Spaniard’s official comeback reveal. As of now, the speculations around the return of Nadal keep on rising and will only become more so as the Australian Open dates get closer.

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