'If all goes well...': Former coach reveals Rafael Nadal's return date ahead of Davis Cup

Rafael Nadal is recuperating from surgery, and if all goes well, the Spanish player will soon make a comeback. Following his loss in the second round of the Australian Open in January 2023, Nadal underwent hip surgery in Barcelona. The King of Clay hasn't played competitive Tennis since incurring defeat against Mackenzie McDonald at the season's first Grand Slam.

3 things you need to know

• Rafael Nadal is expected to make his return in 2024
• Nadal is a 22-time Grand Slam winner
• Novak Djokovic recently won the 24th Grand Slam of his career

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Rafael Nadal to return in Australian Open 2024

After withdrawing from Roland-Garros for the first time since 2004, Nadal hasn't been on the court since May 2023. He's said that 2024 might be his final year of touring. His comeback date has not yet been determined, though. According to Spain's Davis Cup captain David Ferrer, the 22-time Grand Slam champion might come back, if they go to the November finals of the competition.

Toni Nadal, who coached his nephew until 2017, told El Desmarque, “Rafa is good, recovering. If all goes well he wants to return to the court for the 2024 Australian Open.” Nadal, a two-time Australian Open champion, won the event in Melbourne in 2022 after missing several months due to injuries. Nadal, though, dropped out of the Australian Open in the second round the following year.

On this day 13 years ago, Rafael Nadal wins his first US Open title, and completes the Career Grand Slam (winning all four Majors)! 🏆🇺🇸

He is still the youngest male singles player to ever achieve the feat, at just 24 years old 👏🇪🇸pic.twitter.com/Cnq87QZgzh

— Olly 🎾🇬🇧 (@Olly_Tennis_) September 13, 2023

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One final showdown 

As rumours about his return spread, fans are anticipating one final epic match between Nadal and Djokovic, who on Monday won his 24th Grand Slam of his career. When referring to the Serbian star, Toni noted that Djokovic is a tremendous champion and that getting to him would be very challenging. "For anyone, not just my nephew. It's challenging to name the greatest person in history... You must choose Djokovic because he is supported by the titles, he continued.

Toni also lauded Djokovic after the US Open 2023. "I think in the world of sport if we go by the numbers, Djokovic is without a doubt the best," he concluded. With 24 Grand Slam titles, the most in the open era, Djokovic will start as a favourite again when he takes to the court in the Australian Open next year.