Nadal: “I don’t expect to win…I dream of playing again” TV interview

“My dream is not to win Roland Garros or Australia, but to play again and be competitive again.”

Rafael Nadal (Spain-37) admits he still has a long way to go before returning to the men’s ATP Tour.

Nadal, who tore his iliopsoas (hip flexor) muscle at the Australian Open in January, has yet to return to the court, contrary to initial predictions that he could return in six to eight weeks. He underwent arthroscopic surgery in June to repair the iliopsoas and “clean up” his left hip. His recovery is expected to take five months. His slow recovery from his injuries has led to rumors that he may never return to professional tennis.

In an interview with Spanish digital broadcasting platform Movistar Plus on Monday (Nov. 18), Nadal addressed the rumors surrounding him and expressed his hope to “compete on tour again.”

He said he trains at the Rafa Nadal Academy in Mallorca, Spain, for 40 minutes a day with a racket and limited repetitions, and that golf is the only sport he is currently able to compete in.

Nadal has won 22 Grand Slam titles. While he has been off the court with injury, Novak Djokovic (Serbia-36) has added three more this year alone, pushing his tally to 24.

He has announced that he will retire from the sport for the last time in 2024. He may be tempted to increase his win total in his final season to balance out his rivals.

Nadal said that we can expect limited appearances at the Australian Open or Roland Garros next year. However, he said it won’t be for the sake of winning, nor can he aim to win 토토사이트.

“My dream is not to win Roland Garros or Australia, but to play again and be competitive again. At this point in my life, I am very far away (from challenging for a major title). I’m not saying it’s impossible because things change very quickly in sports.”

He added that he can’t be clear about what he wants to do next year because of the situation he’s in right now, saying that the way he approaches the year depends on his goals, and that his hope now is to know how and where he is in two months.

He added: “Yes, I can play, but I’m not in a position to win Roland Garros, maybe I’ll play there because I might want to do a farewell tour. It’s a question I can’t answer right now,” he added.

Nadal has hinted that he could target the Paris Olympics as a way to put the finishing touches on his storied career. However, he said it was unclear due to his age and physical condition.

“I can hit the ball as carefully as possible (only with the same motion) with the intensity I’m used to, without any other movements,” he said of his rehabilitation.

“Fortunately, I’ve been able to play golf since a few weeks ago, which is the only thing I can compete in at the moment, because it keeps me focused and I need competition,” he added.

The interview confirms that Nadal, one of the greatest players in tennis history and a symbol of indomitable will and determination, is still uncertain about his successful return to the court.