“What a joy to…” Rafael Nadal’s comeback triggers a warm reaction from Carlos Alcaraz as two generations of Spanish tennis legacies coalesce

Rafael Nadal has secured a spot in the last 16 of the 2024 Brisbane International.

“What a joy to…” Rafael Nadal’s comeback triggers a warm reaction from Carlos Alcaraz as two generations of Spanish tennis legacies coalesce

Carlos Alcaraz and Rafael Nadal (Credits: HT)

Rafael Nadal recently marked his comeback to the sport with his participation at the 2024 Brisbane International after a 12-month hiatus. The Spaniard had been sidelined from the action after sustaining a reoccurring hip injury during his attendance at the 2023 Australian Open, rendering him unable to play any tournaments for the entire season.

Following his recent comeback, fellow tennis professional Carlos Alcaraz showered praise upon the former with delightful a comment on social media.

Former World No. 1 Rafael Nadal celebrated his return to the circuit with a straight-set victory over Dominic Thiem in the Brisbane event’s opening round. Despite his extensive absence from the tour, the Spaniard’s victory sent the jam-packed arena in Brisbane into a frenzy.

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Alcaraz’s comment under Nadal’s latest Instagram post.

Subsequently, the 22-time Grand Slam champion’s return caused a stir in the tennis world and further elicited compatriot Carlos Alcaraz to laud his countryman for a commendable comeback. The 20-year-old comment on Nadal’s post read: 

What a joy to see you again on track Rafa!
wrote Carlos Alcaraz

The duo has met three times on the tour, with Alcaraz claiming triumph at their most recent encounter at the 2022 Madrid Open. However, their overall head-to-head score lies in favor of Nadal, earlier coming up on top during their clash in Indian Wells and Madrid.

Rafael Nadal provides insight on the toughest moments of his tennis career

Spanish tennis legend Rafael Nadal recalled and reflected on the toughest moments of his laudable tennis career during an on-court interview at the 2024 Brisbane International. The 37-year-old further commended the crowd for keeping up good energy during what might be the final stages of his legendary career.

Rafael Nadal (Credits: Guardian)
Rafael Nadal (Credits: Guardian)
Today is honestly an emotional and important day for me after probably one of the toughest years of my tennis career, without a doubt. I had the chance to come back after a year and play in front of an amazing crowd and play, I think, at a very positive level. On the first day, it is something that makes us feel proud. Myself, all the team and family that have been there every single day during the past year.

The Spaniard will lock horns with Jason Kubler in the last 16 of the Brisbane event on Thursday, January 4. Later, the former World No. 1 will be witnessed in action at the 2024 Australian Open.

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