Playing in his first competitive match after almost a year at the Brisbane International on Sunday, Rafael Nadal lost his first-round doubles tie in straight sets.

When the world thought that the Spanish maestro’s time was all but over, Nadal sprung into action yet again in what might be his final year in professional tennis.

Nadal’s record of the 912 consecutive weeks he spent in the top 10 of the world rankings is a testament to the veteran’s willpower and dedication to play for as long as he can at the highest level.

The singles tournament marks the start of another chapter in his illustrious journey, with the 2020 US Open victor Dominic Thiem as his initial challenger. His Brisbane participation serves as a warm-up for the Australian Open, potentially his final appearance down under as an active contender.

The wait is 𝙤𝙫𝙚𝙧 🔥@RafaelNadal returns to the ATP Tour today in doubles and Tuesday in singles against … @domithiem 🍿 pic.twitter.com/Wg5Zwfh8q0

— Roland-Garros (@rolandgarros) December 31, 2023

Nadal, a seasoned competitor, is no stranger to dealing with crippling injuries that have become as synonymous with him as his lethal forehand.

Especially in the latter stages of his career, he’s often had to commence afresh without any momentum, restarting his journey relentlessly when the situation calls for it.

However, this aspect also intensifies the challenge of his comeback efforts. Since sustaining a hip flexor injury at the 2023 Australian Open, Nadal hasn’t returned to competitive singles action. During this hiatus, his ranking plummeted to World No. 670.

Please welcome, from Spain:

RAFAEL. NADAL!@RafaelNadal #BrisbaneTennis pic.twitter.com/zGKJabkn8c

— Tennis TV (@TennisTV) December 31, 2023

Injury Woes

Dealing with a persistent foot injury dating back to 2005, he underwent surgery and played through pain using numbing injections to secure another French Open title. Additionally, he’s faced a series of setbacks including a broken rib, a torn abdominal muscle, back issues, and a recurring hip flexor problem.

“I expect from myself not to expect anything. This is the truth. To have the ability not to demand myself what I have demanded myself throughout my career. I believe I’m in a different moment, in a different situation, and in an unexplored terrain,” he said in a video he posted on social media earlier this month.

The question that is on every Rafa fan’s mind is, Will the Spaniard be able to finish off the year being fully fit in what could be the last dance for him?

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