“I am not ready to compete,” Rafael Nadal breaks his silence on Andy Murray and Holger Rune’s overly positive comments in Brisbane

Nadal rubbishes the 'hype' by his fellow competitors over his log awaited comeback.

“I am not ready to compete,” Rafael Nadal breaks his silence on Andy Murray and Holger Rune’s overly positive comments in Brisbane

Rafael Nadal breaks his silence on Andy Murray and Holger Rune's overly positive comments (Via Open Source/X)

Rafael Nadal is all set to make his comeback to professional tennis after almost a year. After missing the entire 2023 season due to surgery, the Spaniard will return to the court at the Brisbane International. His last match was a second-round defeat in the Australian Open against American Mackenzie Mcdonald.

Rafa has already touched down in Brisbane and has received a superb welcome down under in Australia. In the press release of Brisbane International, the 37-year-old was asked about the statements that were made by Andy Murray and Holger Rune about him. To which the Spaniard replied, 

Well, I mean, if you ask my colleagues how I feel, they will not come here and say, Rafa is playing like disaster. It's obvious, no? I feel what they said has not much value because, of course, if you ask me how they're playing, I will say they're playing great, too. You will not talk negative things about colleagues. But no, in a realistic world, I'm happy with the way that I am practicing.
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The Spaniard also pointed out that he is coming after surgery. He further said:

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That's a lot for me because I don't know one month ago if I will have the chance to come here or feel myself enjoying on the practices with the guys because have been a possibility I come here. practicing with the guys and I feel, Okay, I am not ready
to compete. Before the tournament start, I feel ready to compete. Then what can happen in the competition, I can't know. I don't know.

Moreover, Nadal has been out of the sport for quite a period. Thus, there will be unpredictability upon his comeback to the court and Rafa said that he is not expecting things like he used to do.

What’s in the cards for the 2024 season for Rafael Nadal?

After coming back from the injury, it is sure that Rafa will be a bit streaky in the first few matches. However, with the skillset he possesses, one can only rule him out at his own risk. With the Australian Open set to start in the latter part of January, the Brisbane International will help the Spaniard gain some match experience and momentum.

Rafael Nadal opens up about comments that were made by Andy Murray and Holger Rune in the press conference, says that they have little value.
Rafael Nadal (Image via Reuters)

The 37-year-old will try to make a smashing comeback in his so-called last professional tennis season. However, it won’t be easy as the defending champion Novak Djokovic will also join the hunt for his 25th Grand Slam title. Fans would be hoping that they get to see the clash between these two titans in the upcoming tournaments.

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