Rafael Nadal steps up his comeback with training camp in Kuwait

Rafael Nadal has touched down in Kuwait to resume preparations for his long-awaited comeback as the 22-time Grand Slam champion looks to return to action at the Brisbane International tournament next month.

Sidelined with a hip injury – that required surgery – since January’s Australian Open, Nadal is currently training at his academy in Kuwait with recent Next Gen ATP Finals runner-up, French teenager Arthur Fils.

In a series of videos posted on his social media accounts over the last few days, Nadal announced his plans to get back to the tour in the opening week of the 2024 season at the ATP 250 event in Brisbane and shed light on what he has gone through over the past 11 months.

The 37-year-old Spaniard said he tried to comeback during the clay season but suffered one disappointment after the other and ultimately opted to undergo surgery.

He feels ready to compete once again but isn’t placing any expectations on himself.

“I hope, first of all, to feel again those nerves, that eagerness, those fears, those doubts. I expect from myself not to expect anything. This is the truth. To have the ability not to demand of myself what I have demanded of myself throughout my career. I believe I’m in a different moment, in a different situation and in an unexplored terrain,” said Nadal.

A post shared by Jules Marie (@julesmarie_tennis)

The Mallorcan reiterated what he had said in his last press conference, that he deserves a better ending to his career than being injured and addressing the media in a press room – something that helped him keep going and continue to work hard on his recovery.

As for what’s to come, Nadal is aware the finish line is not too far ahead but is not ready to set a farewell date just yet.

“It is a