'%20x='0'%20y='0'%20height='100%25'%20width='100%25'%20%0A%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20xlink%3Ahref='data:image/jpg;base64,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'%3E%3C/image%3E%3C/svg%3E)
Rafael Nadal recently announced his return to the ATP tour after missing the majority of the 2023 season. Following the announcement on Friday, December 1, Nadal posted a video on Monday across his social media platforms in which he opened up about his fears ahead of the 2024 season.
The video has garnered massive attention and elicited plenty of reactions from tennis fans worldwide.
On Monday, a Twitter user said they were displeased that the 37-year-old had to explain himself after returning from injury. The fan added that they wouldn't forgive people for making Nadal do that.
"The fact Rafa feels the need to explain himself for wanting to try and come back, I’ll never forgive people for this," the fan said.
Trending
Another fan on Reddit said Nadal was "earnest," and suggested that he consider putting on a smile.
"He’s so earnest it’s almost uncomfortable. Try to smile Rafa. That said I know he’s been working as hard as he can to give it his all. Hope we can get a healthy year from the man," the fan said.
A third fan reacted to the video by stating that regardless of how the season turns out in terms of results, Nadal still has the fans' support.
"We just want to see you play, healthy and happy, the results are irrelevant," they wrote.
Here are some more reactions from his fans:
Rafael Nadal missed the majority of the 2023 season, but had a memorable 2022
Rafael Nadal kicked off the 2022 season at the Melbourne Summer Set 1. He beat Maxime Cressy 7–6(8–6), 6–3 in the final to clinch his first title of the season.
The Spaniard then competed at the Australian Open. In the final, he defeated Russian tennis star Daniil Medvedev 2–6, 6–7(5–7), 6–4, 6–4, 7–5 to clinch his second Australian Open title.
Rafael Nadal also won the French Open in 2022. He emerged victorious over Norwegian star Casper Ruud in the final, with the match ending 6–3, 6–3, 6–0 in his favor. The victory marked Nadal's 22nd Grand Slam singles title and 14th French Open title.
Nadal competed in the Wimbledon Championships too but withdrew with injury after reaching the semifinals. The Spaniard tore an abdominal muscle during the quarter-final against Taylor Fritz.
Nadal also played in the US Open but was knocked out in the round of 16 by American tennis star Frances Tiafoe in four sets.
What is the foot injury that has troubled Rafael Nadal over the years? Check here
