“Feel-good story for all of tennis,” Rafael Nadal’s comeback era builds a strong hype among young ATP stars Chris Eubanks and Arthur Cazaux

Christopher Eubanks and Arthur Cazaux have their fingers crossed on the comeback story of Rafael Nadal for the 2024 season despite his early injury concern.

“Feel-good story for all of tennis,” Rafael Nadal’s comeback era builds a strong hype among young ATP stars Chris Eubanks and Arthur Cazaux

Christopher Eubanks, Rafael Nadal, Arthur Cazaux (Credits: Reuters, The Independent, ESPN)

The 2024 season was supposed to see Rafael Nadal return to full action. But instead, the hopes of fans have already been dented given an early setback for the 22-time Grand Slam title winner. The Spaniard made his season debut at the 2024 Brisbane Open.

He had signed up for the singles and doubles discipline to get more match practice. While his doubles campaign ended in the first round itself, he did make his way to the quarter-finals in singles. The defeat to Jordan Thompson proved too costly for him as another injury flared up for him.

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As a result, he had to fly back home withdrawing from the 2024 Australian Open. Many fans had already believed 2024 would be the last time he played Down Under, but now it looks like a certain reality. With injury concerns still surrounding the former World No. 1, young guns of the ATP Tour are still counting on him.

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In a recent video shared by the ATP Tour, the young brigade was asked various questions. One of them was, “Who will be the feel-good story’ for the 2024 season? Speaking on it, American Christopher Eubanks named Nadal as his pick. 

I think his [Rafael Nadal's] comeback will allow fans to have a moment of just appreciating his greatness, appreciating his hard work and everything that it took to be able to get back. And I think that’ll be a feel-good story for all of tennis.
Said Eubanks.

The 27-year-old American recently featured in the Australian Open but had an early exit. He lost in the first round in doubles while partnering young compatriot Ben Shelton. In singles, he defeated Taro Daniel before being ousted in straight sets by Andrey Rublev in the second round.

Fanboy Arthur Cazaux hoping for the best for idol Rafael Nadal

One of the best finds of the ongoing Grand Slam event in Melbourne Park is French youngster Arthur Cazaux. The 21-year-old was a wildcard entrant in the main draw and made the most of it.

Rafael Nadal
Rafael Nadal (Source: IMAGO)

The World No. 122 defeated the likes of Laslo Djere, Holger Rune, and Tallon Griekspoor before falling to Hubert Hurkacz.

Answering the ‘feel-good’ question, the youngster quickly picked Rafa. 

Rafa’s going to have the best comeback, I hope. Because I’m a big fan of him! It can be a good story for him and for everybody, for tennis.
Said Cazaux.

As per the latest reports, Nadal has already confirmed his comeback tournament. But knowing his vested interest in remaining fit primarily for the clay season, confusion around his return will be constant. Having already hinted that 2024 is potentially his farewell season, fans can only hope he remains fit throughout the season.

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