Rafael Nadal: 22-time Grand Slam champion set to make tennis return at Qatar Open in February | Tennis News

Rafael Nadal is about to return to tennis in February on the Qatar Open after lacking the Australian Open as a result of a muscle tear.

Nadal made a comeback firstly of this yr on the Brisbane Worldwide, the place he reached the quarter-finals in his first aggressive match in almost 12 months.

The 37-year-old will probably be again in motion within the week starting February 19 in Doha – stay on Sky Sports activities – as he appears to be like to construct as much as the French Open in Might, the place he’s a 14-time champion.

He has said there’s a “excessive share” this yr will probably be his final season earlier than retirement after combating harm in recent times.

“The issue about saying it will be my final season is that I can not predict what is going on on 100 per cent sooner or later. That is why I say ‘most likely’,” stated Nadal firstly of this yr.

“It is apparent it is a excessive share that it will be my final time taking part in in Australia. But when I am right here subsequent yr, do not inform me, ‘you stated it will be your final season’ as a result of I did not say it.

“You by no means know what is going on on, ? I can not predict how I will be within the subsequent six months. I can not predict if my physique will permit me to take pleasure in tennis as a lot as I loved the previous 20 years.”

In an interview on December 13 with Spanish newspaper El Pais, Nadal stated he was already serious about the French Open, the place he has gained 14 of his main titles.

“After I arrive in Paris, I’ll know whether it is my final yr. And there will probably be a previous announcement,” he added.

“There could have handed 5 months on the circuit and I am going to know my actuality: one can sense these items, however till he feels them he can’t do something.”

Watch the WTA and ATP Excursions all through 2024 on Sky Sports activities. Stream tennis and more with a NOW Sports Month Membership