Rafael Nadal’s comeback event confirmed as entry list is released

Rafael Nadal reacts to the crowd in Brisbane

Rafael Nadal gave a broad hint that he would not be away from the tennis court for long after he pulled out of the Australian Open and we may not have to wait long to see him continuing his comeback.

The 22-time Grand Slam champion made an impressive return to action after almost a year out with a major hip problem, threatening to bring down the curtain on his glorious career.

Nadal won two matches in his comeback event in Brisbane before he picked up an injury in his defeat against Australia’s Jordan Thompson.

That forced the veteran Spaniard to confirm he was not ready to make a Grand Slam return as he withdrew from the Australian Open and returned to Spain for treatment.

“I had a small problem on a muscle that as you know made me worried,” he said in a statement.

“Once I got to Melbourne I have had the chance to make an MRI and I have micro tear on a muscle, not in the same part where I had the injury and that’s good news.

“Right now I am not ready to compete at the maximum level of exigence in five-set matches. I’m flying back to Spain to see my doctor, get some treatment and rest.

“I have worked very hard during the year for this comeback and as I always mentioned my goal is to be at my best level in three months.

“Despite the sad news for me for not being able to play in front of the amazing Melbourne crowds, this is not very bad news and we all remain positive with the evolution for the season.

“I really wanted to play in Australia and I have had the chance to play a few matches that made me very happy and positive.

“Thanks all for the support and see you soon! Rafa.”

There were fears that his latest injury setback was a recurrence of the hip problem that threatened to end his career in 2023, but it has now emerged that Nadal has entered the ATP 250 event in Doha that gets underway on February 19.

Nadal is a former winner of the Qatar Open after he beat Gael Monfils in the 2013 final in Doha and it looks like he is planning to return to the event as he looks to continue his return to action.

The Spanish great has persitently hinted this may be his final year as a professional, with his injury in Australia inspiring some thoughts that Nadal may focus the final drive of his career on a push to win a remarkable 15th French Open title this summer.

Yet his appearance on the draw sheet in Qatar confirms he is planning to be part of the upcoming hardcourt tournaments that will also include the Indian Wells and Miami Masters in March.

The Qatar Open entry list also includes world No 3 Daniil Medvedev, world No 5 Andrey Rublev and two-time Wimbledon champion Andy Murray, who has yet to confirm whether when he will resume his career after a first round exit at the Australian Open.

The presence of Nadal in Doha would certainly raise the profile of the tournament and organisers will be hoping Nadal is fit to return to action less than a month from now.