Nadal conquers fear post-surgery with comeback win
January 2, 2024 – 6:03 AM PST
(Reuters) – Rafa Nadal was overjoyed to make his long-awaited return to professional tennis on Tuesday after nearly a year on the sidelines. However, the Spanish tennis star acknowledged that regaining his confidence and natural movements on the court would be a gradual process.
Nadal made a triumphant singles comeback after undergoing hip surgery, defeating Austrian former world number three Dominic Thiem 7-5 6-1 in the first round of the Brisbane International. The 22-times major winner proved that he still had plenty to offer in the sport.
The 37-year-old’s last match was at the Australian Open in January 2023, and he subsequently missed the rest of the season due to his hip surgery.
“For me, the most important thing is to stay healthy. I truly believe that I haven’t forgotten how to play tennis. The challenge lies in performing at a professional level and in high-stakes matches,” Nadal told reporters.
“Recovering confidence and fluid movements takes time… After the surgery, there’s a sense of fear when attempting certain movements, and it’s necessary to regain speed, read the ball, and execute actions automatically.
“It requires hours on the court, hours in practice sessions, and equally important, hours in professional matches. I didn’t know what to expect today. It’s a day to celebrate… I’m thrilled to have the opportunity to play once again.”
Thiem, who is 30 years old, has also been on a comeback journey after missing several months in 2021 and 2022 due to a wrist injury.
The former U.S. Open champion is currently ranked 98th in the world, but Nadal believes he has the potential to climb the rankings based on his performance.
“I think the past year has been positive for him. After a challenging period, he managed to return to the Top 100, which is no easy feat,” Nadal said.
“I believe he starts the year with the ambition to have a successful season and finish with a much higher ranking. If he can win matches and regain confidence in himself, I don’t see him staying close to the 100th ranking. I honestly envision him achieving a much higher position.”
Reporting by Rohith Nair in Bengaluru; editing by Pritha Sarkar
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How long was Nadal sidelined before his return to professional tennis?
Nadal Returns to Professional Tennis After Year-Long Hiatus
January 2, 2024 – 6:03 AM PST (Reuters) – Rafa Nadal, the Spanish tennis star, expressed his joy as he made his highly anticipated return to professional tennis on Tuesday after almost a year of being sidelined. However, Nadal acknowledged that regaining his confidence and natural movements on the court would be a gradual process.
In his triumphant singles comeback match after undergoing hip surgery, Nadal defeated Austrian former world number three, Dominic Thiem, with a score of 7-5, 6-1 in the first round of the Brisbane International. The 22-times major winner proved that he still has plenty to offer in the sport.
Nadal, 37 years old, last played at the Australian Open in January 2023 and subsequently missed the rest of the season due to his hip surgery. Speaking to reporters, he emphasized the importance of staying healthy, stating, “For me, the most important thing is to stay healthy. I truly believe that I haven’t forgotten how to play tennis. The challenge lies in performing at a professional level and in high-stakes matches.”
He also highlighted the time and effort required to regain confidence and fluid movements on the court. Nadal explained, “Recovering confidence and fluid movements takes time… After the surgery, there’s a sense of fear when attempting certain movements, and it’s necessary to regain speed, read the ball, and execute actions automatically.”
Recognizing the dedication required, Nadal added, “It requires hours on the court, hours in practice sessions, and equally important, hours in professional matches. I didn’t know what to expect today. It’s a day to celebrate… I’m thrilled to have the opportunity to play once again.”
Dominic Thiem, who is 30 years old, has also been on a comeback journey after missing several months in 2021 and 2022 due to a wrist injury. Currently ranked 98th in the world, Nadal believes Thiem has the potential to climb the rankings based on his performance.
Reflecting on Thiem’s progress, Nadal remarked, “I think the past year has been positive for him. After a challenging period, he managed to return to the Top 100, which is no easy feat. I believe he starts the year with the ambition to have a successful season and finish with a much higher ranking. If he can win matches and regain confidence in himself, I don’t see him staying close to the 100th ranking. I honestly envision him achieving a much higher position.”
Overall, Nadal’s return to professional tennis brings excitement and anticipation for his fans. With determination and hard work, he hopes to reclaim his spot among the top contenders in the sport. As for Thiem, his journey to a higher ranking continues, and his recent performances indicate his potential for a successful season ahead.
Reporting by Rohith Nair
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