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IMAGE: Rafael Nadal takes a selfie with followers and media in Brisbane on Thursday, December 28. {Photograph}: Rafa Nadal/Fb
Rafael Nadal mentioned it’s nonetheless “inconceivable” for him to consider successful tournaments as he prepares for his much-awaited comeback on the Brisbane Worldwide after spending nearly a 12 months on the sidelines with a hip harm.
The 22-times Grand Slam champion, who’s gearing up for subsequent month’s Australian Open, sustained the issue throughout his second spherical defeat at Melbourne Park in January and didn’t compete once more final season after having surgical procedure in June.
Nadal’s rivals, together with world primary Novak Djokovic, consider he will probably be at his aggressive finest on his return however the 37-year-old performed down title expectations in what’s more likely to be his last season on tour.
“It is inconceivable to consider successful tournaments at the moment,” Nadal advised Australian Related Press on Friday.
“What’s actually potential is to benefit from the comeback. I do not anticipate a lot… one 12 months with out being on the court docket.”
Nadal has stepped up his coaching in current months and practised with world quantity eight Holger Rune on the Queensland Tennis Centre after arriving in Australia on Thursday.
The Spaniard, who has slipped to world quantity 672, mentioned he was feeling a lot better than a 12 months in the past however added that he can’t have long-term targets simply but.
“I do not know the way issues are going to maintain going,” Nadal mentioned. “I am not a participant who tries to foretell what can occur within the brief time period and it is more durable within the medium time period.
“I want to simply accept the adversity and that it is not going to be excellent, simply include the suitable spirit every single day.”
The Brisbane Worldwide begins on Sunday whereas the Australian Open runs from January 14-28.
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