Rafael Nadal’s comeback forces L’Equipe to bring back their headline used for Zinedine Zidane’s return to French National team for the 2006 FIFA World cup

Nadal's craze in France highlighted by "il revient".

Rafael Nadal’s comeback forces L’Equipe to bring back their headline used for Zinedine Zidane’s return to French National team for the 2006 FIFA World cup

L'Equipe brings back their iconic headline to announce Rafa's return. (Image via: X/L'Equipe)

Rafael Nadal‘s news of his return to the court is currently the buzz all over the tennis world. The Spaniard is set to return to the court after 350+ days. This is the longest span in the career of Rafa in which he hasn’t played a single competitive match.

On Friday, Nadal announced his comeback in a video he posted on his social media handles. The last competitive match Rafa played was also in Melbourne, a second-round defeat against Mackenzie Mcdonald. After this Nadal was forced to miss the entire season due to a hip injury.

A special comeback of a special player needs a special announcement. L’Equipe identified it best. The French media outlet decided to bring back the iconic headline “il revient” announcing the comeback of Zinedine Zidane before the 2006 FIFA World Cup.

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The craze of Rafa in France is immense. As colloquially known as the ‘King of Clay’ Rolland Garros has always given him success. The Spaniard has won a record 14 French Open titles.

Zizou has been one of the most legendary players in the history of soccer. Having solidified his name in the history books, the French veteran had gone to retirement, but after his team was falling to pieces Zizou came back and played one of the glorious tournaments of his career. The newspaper had given this comeback story “il revient” as the headline, which means “he returns” in French.

So, this was the style of the French newspaper that they are expecting the same from Rafa. Moreover, Zizou and Rafa have a connection of their own. The Spaniard is a big fan of the Real Madrid Football Club where Zizou has been a legend both as a player as well as a coach.

What’s the plan for Rafael Nadal in his comeback?

Expectations are high for Nadal to step up in the next season. The fans and pundits all are looking at him to witness his magical dance on the court. However, things are pretty simple for the Spaniard. The Spaniard revealed to the media last month that he will be looking to enjoy his tennis and gain his competitiveness back.

Rafael Nadal
Rafael Nadal (image via: Tennis World USA)

Indeed, things won’t be any easier for Rafa after he comes back to the court. He will be a bit scratchy in the first few games as he last played his competitive match nearly a year ago earlier. However, the Brisbane International will help him to regain his momentum back before the Australian Open and gain some match experience under his belt.

Reports say that this might be the last competitive season in Rafa’s career. He has said in the past that he is looking to play all four major Grand Slam events in the next season.

However, injuries never have been kind to him. He has suffered from injuries throughout his career. The injuries have taken a heavy toll on his body. It will be interesting to see in what shape and flow he comes back. But one thing is sure no one will write him off from winning another Grand Slam title.

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