Rafael Nadal is no longer demanding the most out of himself

Rafael Nadal is laying the groundwork for what to expect in his long-awaited return to the ATP Tour. Competing post-hip surgery ushers in a new chapter for the 22-time major champion, one that sees his chase for perfection and the top of the mountain replaced by the pursuit of simply feeling good as a competitor again.

“I have internalized what I have had throughout my life, which is to demand from myself the maximum. And right now what I really hope is to be able to not do that,” Nadal shared in a translated video on his social media accounts.

“To accept that things are going to be very difficult at the beginning. To give myself the necessary time, to forgive myself if things go wrong at the beginning, which is a very big possibility. But knowing that there may be a not-too-distant future (where) things can change, if I keep the dream and the spirit of work and my body responds, without a doubt.”

Nadal announced last week that he will start his 2024 campaign in Brisbane and it’s since been confirmed that he has used a protected ranking to enter the Australian Open. Now 37, Nadal is approaching this comeback like ‘unexplored terrain’ despite having successfully resumed from extended injury layoffs on multiple occasions in the past.

“It’s been a long time, so I hope, first of all, to feel again those nerves, that illusion, those fears, those doubts. I expect from myself not to expect anything,” he said.

“This is the truth. To have the ability not to demand of myself what I have demanded of myself throughout my career. I believe I’m in a different moment, in a different situation.”

The Spaniard shared that he was hesitant about providing updates given the amount of time that has passed since he last stepped foot on a match court. Nadal played just four contests in 2023, ultimately going 1-3 after seeing the left hip flexor injury flare up during a second-round defeat to Mackenzie McDonald at Melbourne Park.

“I have been afraid to announce things because in the end it’s a year without competing and it’s a hip operation,” the left-hander stated. “But it’s not the hip that worries me the most, it’s everything else.

“I think I’m ready and I trust and hope that everything goes well and that it gives me the opportunity to enjoy things on the court.”

Holger Rune, Grigor Dimitrov and Andy Murray are among Nadal’s peers who have also elected to kick off their New Year in Brisbane.