'There are many chances that...' - Tennis Legend Rafael Nadal drops major update on his retirement plans ahead of ATP 250

Spanish Legend Rafael Nadal has acknowledged the possibility that 2024 could be his last season as an ATP professional. The 22-time Grand Slam champion is eyeing a comeback later this month after nearly a year-long absence from action. Plagued by several injuries, he was forced to miss a series of tournaments, which marked a serious drop in his career ranking. 

Nadal suffered a hip injury in his second-round loss at the Australian Open and has not participated in any competition since last January. He had to undergo surgery twice, after which he underwent rehabilitation and fitness training. He is set to return to the court at the ATP 250 in Brisbane, which begins on December 29. Brisbane International is a warm-up event ahead of the upcoming Australian Open.   

In a post on X, the 37-year-old wrote, “My last reflection after the announcement... of course I thought that it made no sense (to compete again)... that it has been many years...; I have fought and I have maintained the illusion at all times; I have had the right people around me as I have always had throughout my career...; … the people who want to see me play have had an impact; There is a good chance that it will be my last year, without a doubt. Thank you all."

Mi última reflexión tras el anuncio… 📣

👉🏻 claro que he pensado que no tenía sentido (volver a competir)… que son muchos años…
👉🏻 He luchado y he mantenido la ilusión en todo momento
👉🏻 He tenido la gente adecuada a mi alrededor como siempre he tenido en toda mi carrera…… pic.twitter.com/xLnHMdZTqD

— Rafa Nadal (@RafaelNadal) December 7, 2023

Earlier, while announcing his withdrawal from the 2023 French Open, the 14-time winner had hinted that he would hang up his rackets in 2024. “You never know how things will turn out. But my intention is that next year will be my last year," Nadal said at a news conference at the time.  

There are many possibilities that it is my last year: Nadal 

Meanwhile, in a recent social media video, the former World No. 1 said he might consider retiring halfway through the season if his body does not cooperate. However, he asserted that he will be back in action and will enjoy the tournaments as it will be his last dance. 

"It is a reality, there are many chances that it will be my last year, without any doubt. There are chances that it may only be half a year. There are possibilities that it may be a full year. There are possibilities that we may not be able to reach all that. These are things that right now I do not have the capacity to be able to answer. I am only in conditions to say that I return to compete. There are many possibilities that it is my last year and I am going to enjoy the tournaments in that way," Nadal said as quoted by ATP.