Gill Gross, a tennis commentator, recently discussed Rafael Nadal’s injury setback at Brisbane International and his expectations for a 2024 return. Tennis analyst examines Spain’s strategy for 2024 following a scare with an injury.
After implying that the 2024 season would probably be his last, Rafael Nadal made his much-awaited return official at the just-ended ATP 250 in Brisbane. The Spaniard got off to a fantastic start, winning his opening two matches against Jason Kubler and Dominic Thiem without losing a set, but he struggled against local favorite Jordan Thompson in the quarterfinals.
Rafael Nadal missed all three match opportunities in the second set, even though he was just one point away from advancing to the semifinals. After that, Thompson forced a decision and eventually eliminated the previous World No. 1 from contention. The veteran also had a microtear in his muscle during the match, which forced him to withdraw from the forthcoming Australian Open.
Because the injury occurred on the same leg as his hip injury at the 2023 Major Down Under, the Spaniard said that he was “a little more scared than usual.”
Tennis analyst examines Spain’s strategy
Tennis commentator Gill Gross stated on the Monday Match Analysis podcast that the Spaniard’s “cautious’ approach” to the 2024 season was a “smart” one, considering that his primary objective is to stay healthy.
Based on a few factors, it is reasonable to conclude that Rafael Nadal is approaching his comeback quite cautiously. One, he stated, “I think it would be wise for anyone to proceed cautiously after taking a year off from playing and to make sure they don’t try to do too much too quickly.”
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Gill Gross also looked at Rafael Nadal‘s prospective plan of action for his upcoming 2024 campaign.
The 22-time Grand Slam champion might play all season, or he could go all out on the claycourt swing, according to the analyst’s two scenarios.
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According to Gill Gross, if the 14-time French Open winner decides to concentrate on his finest surface, he would probably play the red dirt tournaments in South America in February and then the claycourt Masters.
If Rafael Nadal intends to play on all surfaces, the analyst projected he will miss the South American leg.
It is noteworthy that Rafael Nadal has not yet disclosed where he plans to travel next. He does, however, have an exhibition match against Carlos Alcaraz set for March in Las Vegas. The 22-time Grand Slam winner has stated that he hopes to represent his nation at the July Olympics in Paris in addition to the French Open.
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