Rafael Nadal to mark tennis return from injury with next year's Australian Open

The former world no. 1 last played in January this year.

Rafael Nadal is slated to play at the Australian Open 2024 in January, marking his return to the international tennis circuit. The former World No. 1 will return after a prolonged absence from the sport due to a hip surgery earlier this year. The Spaniard has been out of action since January after hurting his hip during the second round of the 2023 Australian Open.

The 37-year-old is currently ranked 240 on the ATP rankings, but has a protected ranking which enables him to use his last recorded highest rank. The "King of Clay" has made an astounding 22 appearances in the finals at Roland Garros, winning 14. 

Nadal has played the Australian Open final six times in his career. He has won twice at Melbourne Park, in 2009 against Roger Federer and more recently in 2022 against Russia's Daniil Medvedev. Nadal and Djokovic played the 2019 final, which the former lost in straight sets.

Novak Djokovic has made the most of Nadal’s absence, going to win a record-breaking 24 Grand Slams, the most in the Open Era. The Serb has also eclipsed Serena William's 23 Grand Slam titles. The Spaniard will look to challenge Djokovic’s domination at the Rod Laver Arena, where he has won ten finals.

Three other former Australian Open champions - Naomi Osaka, Caroline Wozniacki and Angelique Kerber will be joining Nadal on their comeback trail. The trio took extended breaks from the sport due to their pregnancies. Australian Nick Kyrgios will join them at the beginning of the 2024 tennis season as well. Kyrgios had an injury ridden season which forced him to sit out.

The Australian Open fortnight is scheduled to begin on January 14th and will wind up on January 28th. The Spaniard will also play his final Olympic Games in Paris next year.