The Australian Open tournament director said Rafael Nadal will be in Melbourne in January in a quest for his 23rd Grand Slam title.
Director Craig Tiley told “The Today Show” on Nine Network in Australia that Nadal, who has won the tournament twice, is preparing for Australia.
“We can reveal exclusively here that Rafa will be back,” Tiley said.
“He’s been off for most of the year and in talking to him over the last few days he confirmed he will be back, which we’re really excited about, the champion of 2022. That’s awesome.”
Nadal, 37, hasn’t played since the 2023 Australian Open, where he suffered a hip flexor injury in a second-round loss to Mackenzie McDonald.
The Spanish legend didn’t confirm his participation, however. He posted this to social media on Wednesday:
“I appreciate the vote of confidence from the Australian Open… I am practising every day and working hard to come back asap.”
An appearance at the Australian Open likely would be his last. He said in May he plans to retire following the 2024 season.
Nadal underwent arthroscopic surgery for a left hip flexor injury in June and said at the time he’d need five months to recover.
Tiley also said Australian Nick Kyrgios could return to play in time for the January tournament. A variety of injuries limited him to just one match — a loss in Stuttgart in June — this year.
The Australian Open is scheduled for Jan. 14-28.
–Field Level Media