​Rafael Nadal played his last official match at the 2023 Australian Open, but the great Iberian champion has recovered from injury and will take part in the ATP 250 tournament in Brisbane.

Rafael NadalPhoto: corleve / Alamy / Alamy / Profimedia

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Rafael Nadal arrived in Brisbane – the Iberian returned to the field

In a photo posted on social media, Rafa is carrying a bag over his shoulder and looks ready to return to the pitch.

Organizers of the competition announced that Nadal will be present on Friday from 10:00 (local time) at the Queen Street Mall, where he will sign autographs and answer questions from fans.

Injured at the Grand Slam in Melbourne, the Spaniard underwent hip surgery in June and missed all major events until the end of the year. 22 Grand Slam winner Rafa has announced that 2024 is likely to be the year he retires from tennis for good.

The tournament in Brisbane returns to the calendar after a four-year hiatus, and the 2024 tournament (from 31 December 2023 to 7 January 2024) will feature 10 Grand Slam winners and six former world leaders (men’s and women’s).

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What you need to know about Rafael Nadal

  • He is currently ranked 672 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.

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