“He’s not there to come back and make quarters and semis,” Tim Henman analyses if Rafael Nadal can make a Roger Federer-like comeback in 2024

Tim Henman speaks about the chances of Rafael Nadal next year and compares his current state with the 2017 version of Roger Federer.

“He’s not there to come back and make quarters and semis,” Tim Henman analyses if Rafael Nadal can make a Roger Federer-like comeback in 2024

Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal ahead of their match. (credits: Chicago Tribune)

With Rafael Nadal‘s career already starting, very few in the tennis industry believe the Spaniard will win any major silverware before he retires. Nadal is expected to come back into action at the upcoming Brisbane International after a year-long injury gap. 

Now that the drums and barrels have been banged loudly to mark the return of one of the sport’s greatest players, former tennis player Tim Henman has given his view on the comeback. 

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In an interview with Eurosport, Henman was asked to comment on the fact that Nadal can make his comeback count like Roger Federer did way back in 2017 by winning the Australian Open.

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According to Henman, for Nadal to achieve great results in Australia, is quite unlikely, as he feels that the long gap in game time might take its toll on the superstar. 

He also talked about how Nadal will need to get back to the basics and test himself out in longer matches, which he hasn’t endured in a long time.

Because they are such incredible champions, I think it is possible. I think it is unlikely. I think also add to the fact that Rafa's great on hard courts. He's just at a ridiculously different level on clay courts. So I think the hard courts is probably a little bit of a stepping stone.
He said

Tim Henman speaks on Rafael Nadal being a title contender

Tim Henman gives his insights into the situation of Rafael Nadal, saying that if he can manage to stay injury-free and play normal, efficient tennis for the first few months, his chances of a serious comeback on the clay courts are pretty evident. 

Henman also adds up the fact that Nadal is a player who will not feel sufficient to make it to the quarters and semis; rather, he will be dying to win some serious silverware this year. 

Rafael Nadal in action during a match. (credits: mondiali.it)
I think then when we get to [see him] play, then we can say if there is a chance of Rafa adding to his Grand Slam tally. It'd be amazing if he won any tournament on the tour because it's not easy to do.
Henman said

He also speaks about Spniard’s chances of a Grand Slam, saying that it will be pretty tough for Nadal to win any of the hard-court tournaments after having missed the last eleven months due to injury. 

But again, Rafa's not there to come back and make quarters and semis in a couple of events. He wants to win the biggest titles. And so, I think the early part of next year will tell us a lot as to whether Rafa is going to be a contender.
He further added

He rather backed Nadal to go on to win at his favorite clay courts, provided he studied his body, his fitness, and his capabilities in the first few months of coming back.

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