Tennis star Rafael Nadal confirms his comeback to ATP Doha 250 after missing Australian Open

Rafael Nadal, the Spanish tennis legend, faced a setback in his comeback journey earlier this month due to a “micro tear” in his hip muscle during the Brisbane International. Unfortunately, this forced him to withdraw from the 2024 Australian Open. However, the resilient Nadal is ready to return to action and has confirmed his participation in the ATP 250 event in Doha, beginning on February 19.

Nadal’s journey to recovery has been a testament to his determination. After a major hip injury during the 2023 Australian Open, where he suffered a shocking second-round loss, Nadal took a break from the game for an entire year. Eager to make a comeback, he looked to return for the clay court season but had to skip the Roland Garros and the French Open, where he had previously been dominant. In June, he underwent surgery to aid his recovery.

The recent Brisbane International showcased Nadal’s remarkable return to form, winning back-to-back matches and sparking discussions about his potential at the Australian Open. Unfortunately, a fresh injury prevented him from participating in the tournament.

Rafael Nadal has won 22 Grand Slams

Despite this setback, Rafael Nadal remains optimistic and has set his sights on the ATP event in Doha. His inclusion in the entry list for the Qatar Open reflects his determination to return to competitive tennis. The last time he played in Doha was in 2016 when he finished as the runner-up.

However, he secured victory in the tournament in 2014. The ATP field in Doha will feature top players like defending champion Daniil Medvedev, world No. 3, and Nadal’s fellow countrymen Andrey Rublev and Karen Khachanov as the top three seeds, respectively.

Nadal, a 22-time Grand Slam winner, expressed positivity about his injury, stating that the “micro tear” was in a different part of the muscle than his previous injury. He reassured fans through social media, emphasising his hard work for the comeback and maintaining a positive outlook for the upcoming season. As the tennis world eagerly awaits Nadal’s return, his resilience and dedication to the sport continue to inspire fans globally.