Rafael Nadal says he’s feeling better but isn’t setting deadlines for his return to tennis

Rafael Nadal has revealed he is feeling better but he isn’t setting deadlines for his return to tennis. Nadal had to undergo hip surgery and he is expected to return to action in 2024. The veteran Spaniard is taking one day at a time and he is focused on his recovery.

Nadal suffered the aforementioned injury in the second round of the Australian Open while playing against America’s McKenzie McDonald and he had to pull out of the rest of the season. The veteran has already revealed that 2024 will be his final season on the tour.

“If you ask me where I’d like to compete, well, I’d like to compete in the tournaments that have been important for me and which are important for the whole world,” Nadal told CNNE.

“It’s going to depend on how I feel physically and tennis wise, when I can really test myself. Right now, this is totally uncertain.

The Mallorca-born added he wants to stay patient and not add extra pressure on himself for his return.

“We’ll see what happens and I have to have a little bit of patience … I’m not adding more pressure than is already there.”

Nadal revealed his recovery is on the right track but also admitted it hasn’t been easy for him as he has been troubled by injuries throughout his career.

“Physically, I feel better than a while ago and I hope worse than what I’ll feel like in two weeks’ time,” he added.

“In the end, it’s a recovery process, which is hard. The operation was an invasive operation, a major operation.

“I’m accepting things as they come. I’m trying to get better and take steps forward every day and that’s where we are.”

Nadal added he is giving his best and though it has been a tough journey for him, he is pretty much satisfied with what he has achieved.

“On a sporting level, I’d like to be in another situation, but as of today, it is what it is,” he said, adding he was “happy” on a personal level.

“I’m happier today sporting wise than a month-and-a-half ago. So I trust that in two months, I’ll be happier sporting wise than what I am today.

“I’m working day to day and pushing myself so that that happens.”