Rafael Nadal plays down expectations as he makes long-awaited return from injury – ‘It’s not going to be perfect’

Rafael Nadal has attempted to temper expectations around his comeback from a long-term injury.

The 37-year-old will make his highly-anticipated return at the Brisbane International in January, after nearly a year away from the tennis court.

Nadal was last seen at the 2023 Australian Open, exiting the Grand Slam in the second round after a shock defeat to Mackenzie McDonald.

But the Spaniard, who has suggested this will be his last season before retirement, has played down his own hopes of winning a title on his return.

“It’s impossible to think about winning tournaments today,” Nadal said. “What’s really possible is to enjoy the comeback. I don’t expect much… one year without being on the court.”

Nadal sunk to 672 in the world rankings during his time away from tennis, and has subsequently been handed a wild card for the Brisbane International, which gets underway on December 31.

Holger Rune, the current world No. 8, is the highest-ranked player at the ATP 250 tournament, while Andy Murray, Ben Shelton, Grigor Dimitrov and Sebastian Korda are also set to feature.

Nadal will then go straight into the Australian Open main draw using his protected ranking, but he will be not be seeded.

The 22-Grand Slam winner refused to be drawn into setting goals for his upcoming tournaments.

“I can’t have super long-term goals because I don’t see myself playing a super long time,” Nadal said. “I don’t know how things are going to keep going.

“I’m not a player who tries to predict what can happen in the short term, and it’s even tougher in the medium period of time.

“I need to accept the adversity and that it’s not going to be perfect, just come with the right spirit every day.”