Before the injury at the Australian Open (from the beginning of the season), Rafael Nadal was the leader of the hierarchy of Grand Slam titles in men’s tennis. Almost a year later, the Iberian reached the 664th place in the world ranking and received two major major titles from Novak Djokovic.

Rafael Nadal wants to hear his name again on the courts of Roland Garros

With major health problems, Rafa stubbornly played the match with Mackenzie McDonald in the second round of the Australian Open on the court (lost in three sets, score 6-4, 6-4, 7-5).

Since then, Rafa’s passionate fans have hoped that the Iberian will return to the field “as soon as possible”.

The former ATP leader missed such important tournaments as Indian Wells, Miami, and then the entire clay season.

Tennis fans hoped to see him on the court at least at the Roland Garros “home” tournament.

However, there were no signs of a return to the field, and the recovery was difficult and painful, the Iberian said, during his time away from the world circuit.

There was even speculation that Rafa would end his career without ever playing a single official match, like his friend Roger Federer.

Finally, the Iberian held a press conference where he said, among other things, that 2024 will probably be his last year as a professional tennis player.

However, he does not want to retire “any time soon” and has already announced that he will play at the ATP in Brisbane in early 2024. As always, the dream will be to be in top form at Roland Garros, a career-changing tournament.

Speaking about Rafa’s long-awaited return to the ATP circuit, Toni Nadal’s uncle spoke about the great desire of the former world leader.

Rafa wants to hear his name again at Roland Garros. “It will be very difficult to win, but not impossible. A person like Rafa should and will believe in his own strength,” said Toni Nadal.

>> Rafael Nadal is open about his rivalry with Novak Djokovic and the unofficial title of GOAT

What you need to know about Rafael Nadal

• He is currently ranked 664 in the ATP rankings after a season in which he played just four matches (one win and three losses).

• He collected in 2023 only $310,797 from tennis. This is actually the only season in which Rafa did not win the title.

• He climbed ATP No. 1 for the first time on August 18, 2008.

• He has 1068 wins and 220 losses in his career.

• He has collected $134,640,719 in tennis prize money alone and has 92 ATP titles in his career.

• He ranks second in the hierarchy of conquered major competitions: 22 Grand Slam titles against Novak Djokovic’s 24.

Ranking of Grand Slam titles won

1. Novak Djokovic 24

2. Rafael Nadal 22

3. Roger Federer 20 / finished tennis.