{"id":293849,"date":"2023-10-21T14:09:15","date_gmt":"2023-10-21T14:09:15","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/sportslifetale.com\/?p=293849"},"modified":"2023-10-21T14:09:15","modified_gmt":"2023-10-21T14:09:15","slug":"rafael-nadal-sent-reality-check-by-uncle-toni-as-novak-djokovic-comment-made","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/sportslifetale.com\/tennis\/rafael-nadal-sent-reality-check-by-uncle-toni-as-novak-djokovic-comment-made\/","title":{"rendered":"Rafael Nadal sent reality check by uncle Toni as Novak Djokovic comment made"},"content":{"rendered":"

Rafael Nadal set for 2024 farewell after pulling out of French Open<\/h3>\n

Rafael Nadal\u2019s coach and uncle Toni has played down the idea that his nephew has a realistic chance of winning next year\u2019s Australian Open, as he steps up his comeback from injury. The Spanish icon has not played professionally since the previous Grand Slam down under, but could be aiming for a return in January.<\/p>\n

Tournament director Craig Tiley initially confirmed that \u201cRafa will be back\u201d but the 22-time Major winner swiftly played down the idea that he would definitely be performing in Australia. “My first realistic option to be back on the professional court would be January in Australia,\u201d Nadal explained.<\/p>\n

\u201cBut right now, I really can’t confirm something I don’t know. Nothing has changed in the last few weeks except for the fact that I’m training a bit more than before, which is an accomplishment for me and my mental health.”<\/p>\n

Any targets that Nadal would set himself ahead of a return have not been made public, but he won the tournament just two years ago and could feel that he has a chance of a deep run – should his fitness permit. However, Toni Nadal has insisted that unless a mass injury spree hits several of the sport\u2019s top stars, his nephew should forget about winning.<\/p>\n

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JUST IN <\/strong> Rafael Nadal raises alarm bells as Spaniard refuses to commit to Australian Open[REACTION] <\/strong><\/p>\n

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He told the Majorca Daily Bulletin: \u201cHe wants to play the Australian Open. I\u2019ve seen him practising these last few days. He\u2019s practising much better. Now what we need is an injury of [Carlos] Alcaraz, [Novak] Djokovic, and maybe [Daniil] Medvedev. We need them to have a lot of problems, then Rafa can play very good.\u201d<\/p>\n

Nadal has been spotted stepping up his training efforts as he looks to make a comeback in what is set to be a farewell season for the 37-year-old, having already confirmed that this would likely be his final year as a professional tennis player.<\/p>\n