Rafael Nadal's 2024 comeback will lead to more people re-engaging with tennis on a level they couldn't this year, says tennis analyst

Renowned tennis analyst Gill Gross recently expressed his views on Rafael Nadal's expected comeback to professional tennis in 2024.

Earlier this month, Nadal gave a positive update to the media regarding his hip injury. While his return date remains uncertain, the 22-time Major champion "sincerely believes" he will make a comeback soon since his rehabilitation process is going according to plan.

Nadal told the press at the Teknon Tennis Clinic (translated from Spanish via Eurosport):

"I didn't know if I would play tennis again one day. And now, I sincerely believe that I will play again. I am happy with how things are evolving."

In that context, Gill Gross was asked by a fan during his weekly "Monday Match Analysis" podcast whether he was excited at the prospect of seeing Rafael Nadal compete again in 2024.

The American responded that men's tennis has sorely missed the Spaniard being amongst the top players in the world. He also spared a thought for Nadal's most ardent fans, saying they may have not tuned into this year's matches given the 37-year-old's absence.

"Let's see what happens," Gross said. "It's such a massive positive when he's in the mix. There are so many people who are going to re-engage on a level they couldn't this year. There's also gonna be an increased appreciation for whatever he does, whether he's winning or losing, it's very clear there's not long to appreciate Nadal's tennis."

Nadal has been out of action since exiting the 2023 Australian Open in the second round to USA's Mackenzie McDonald. Prior to that he had played at the United Cup, where he dropped both of his group-stage matches.

"I don't think Rafael Nadal's first tournament back will be the Australian Open, he'd rather skip the Aussie" - Tennis analyst Gill Gross

Rafael Nadal pumps his fist at the 2022 Australian Open

During the podcast, Gill Gross also wondered whether Rafael Nadal would play a tune-up event prior to the 2024 Australian Open or make his return during the South American clay court swing.

"I don't know, things have been pretty positive, I think maybe he'll come back and play before the Australian Open and play in Melbourne," Gross said. "I don't think his first tournament back will be the Australian Open, he'd rather skip the Aussie, and maybe even play the Golden Swing."

"I don't know if that makes sense, I'm also curious about the sunshine double, does he wanna play the Sunshine Double? If he goes all out on clay, then he could play the Golden Swing. Take March off and then hit the ground running in April. That's a possibility. I don't know, at the same time Indian Wells and Miami are really big events Rafa has great memories at," he added.

The discourse concerning Nadal's potential return at the Australian Open first began in October, when Tennis Australia CEO Craig Tiley told the local press that the 22-time Major winner would compete in the Melbourne Slam. Tiley said a month ago:

"We can reveal exclusively here that Rafa will be back. He's been off for most of the year, and in talking to him over the last few days he confirmed he will be back, which we're really excited about. That's awesome."

That news prompted the man himself to publicly speak on the topic. Nadal wrote on X (formerly Twitter):

"I appreciate the vote of confidence from the Australian Open… I am practising every day and working hard to come back ASAP."

Tennis fans would be hoping that when he does eventually return, Nadal's fitness allows him to give everyone watching plenty to cheer about.