Opinions differ on return of Nadal

The upcoming 2024 return of Rafael Nadal to tennis after last competing in January has stirred contrasting emotions in the tennis world.

A former coach of the Williams sisters believes the Spaniard’s career is over while current ATP No. 10 Taylor Fritz is convinced the recovered player will again be a force on the Tour.

The pessimist’s view goes to Rick Macci, who guided the Williams pair back in the day two decades ago.

He sees little upside to the Australian return of the 22-time Grand Slam champion, aged 37.

 “As time goes by the player ages, you lose a little mobility and people are increasingly afraid of you, because they know you are vulnerable,” the American told Tennis Infinity.. 

“Now the boys know that they will have a chance to beat him, even on clay.”

The coach added: “I wish all the best to Rafa, but he’s not at the same level as he was before, so I do not consider him a contender for the Grand Slams.

“I think he can be competitive, that he will be a tough one for anyone on clay, but it will depend a lot on his health “, commented the coach in Tennis Infinity .

But Fritz, who had to quit injured in his first group match at last month’s ATP Finals in Turin, offered a more upbeat assessment of Nadal’s comeback chances.

“I never thought Rafa was going to retire and not try again, so, after the time he has been away, I expected him to return at the beginning of the year,” the Californian told Eurosport.

“It’s good news for tennis in general, but it will be hard – he could be a little rusty. 

“It will be crazy to have him in the draws in which he is not going to be seeded (but playing with a protected ranking). Anyone can play against Rafa in the first or second round.”

Bill Scott

Recent Posts

Davis Cup Final to mark Nadal goodbye to tennis

Rafael Nadal will bring down the curtain on his career next month as he plays his…

3 weeks ago

Wimbledon lowers the boom on human linecalling

Wimbledon on Wednesday brought an end to human linecalling at the most traditional of the…

3 weeks ago

Djokovic rolls Cobolli as Shanghai fights to restore order

Novak Djokovic returned to action after waiting tow days to play as the rain-hit Shanghai…

4 weeks ago

Innocent umpiring error screws Stan in Shanghai

Stan Wawrinka may have been inadvertently short-changed during Monday's third-round loss at the Shanghai Masters…

4 weeks ago

Sinner sweeps Fritz to win US Open

Jannik Sinner schooled Taylor Fritz 6-3, 6-4, 7-6 to win his second Grand Slam title…

2 months ago

Sabalenka wins Open title for Grand Slam hat-trick

Aryana Sabalenka completed a Grand Slam title hat-trick on Saturday as she fought from 5-3…

2 months ago