Nadal's return date confirmed, Alcaraz duel scheduled

After nearly a year of injury treatment, Nadal returned to compete at the ATP 250 Brisbane International 2024. However, he had to retire early due to a torn hip muscle and was eliminated in the quarterfinals on January 5.

Rafael Nadal also missed the 2024 Australian Open, which will take place from January 14 to January 28 in Australia. Tennis World USA (USA) reported that Nadal will return to the ATP 500 Barcelona Open 2024, which will take place from April 13 to April 21 in Spain.

Nadal is expected to return at the Barcelona Open 2024 next April (Photo: AP).

Carlos Alcaraz also expects Nadal to return, after the "King of Clay" could not attend the Australian Open: "We wait for you in the upcoming tournament, Rafael. Get well soon."

Barcelona Open organizers have confirmed that Carlos Alcaraz will be attending. Alcaraz has only played three times at the Barcelona Open, but has won twice. However, Nadal is the record holder for winning the Barcelona Open 12 times, winning in 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2016, 2017, 2018 and 2021.

Spanish media revealed that Nadal wants to return at the Barcelona Open 2024 to get used to the clay court, which was his forte at his peak, before entering Roland Garros in France on May 20.

Former Austrian tennis player Barbara Schett revealed Nadal's goals: "We know that Nadal is very focused on the clay court season. He wants to play well there, wants to be fit and healthy.

Rafael Nadal also wants to play in the Olympics so he needs to rest. It's sad not to see him at the Australian Open, but Nadal will definitely be back. At the latest, we will see him at Roland Garros."

Source: https://dantri.com.vn/the-thao/xac-dinh-ngay-nadal-tai-xuat-hen-quyet-dau-alcaraz-20240109071654731.htm