Rafael Nadal recovering well from surgery and ‘wants to return for 2024 Australian Open’, says uncle Toni

Rafael Nadal is recovering well from surgery and is planning to return at the 2024 Australian Open, according to his uncle Toni.

He has suggested 2024 will be his final year on tour, but it is not known when he will return.

Toni Nadal, who coached his nephew from when he was a junior through to 2017, has shed some light on his possible return.

“If all goes well he wants to return to the court for the 2024 Australian Open.”

Nadal is a two-time champion in Melbourne and enjoyed a surprise win there in 2022 after several months out with injury.

However, Novak Djokovic will likely start as favourite this time around as he bids for a 25th Grand Slam title.

“Djokovic is a great champion and it will be very difficult to reach him, not only for my nephew, but for anyone,” he said.

“It’s very difficult to determine who is the best in history…you have to opt for Djokovic because the titles support him.

“Although I think [Roger] Federer has sometimes managed to play at an even higher level, I think in the world of sport if we go by the numbers, Djokovic is without a doubt the best.”

With 24 Grand Slam titles, Djokovic is two ahead of Nadal in the all-time standings.

Federer finished his career on 20 Grand Slams.