Rafael Nadal gives honest fitness update as he reveals ‘priority’ for Indian Wells

Rafael Nadal speaks at a press conference

Rafael Nadal has admitted he is unsure of his physical condition ahead of his return to action against Carlos Alcaraz at the ‘Netflix Slam’ exhibition in Las Vegas.

The tennis legend declared he has “no choice” but to play again now after not competing since Brisbane and outlined that his priority for Indian Wells is to come through “unscathed.”

Nadal will make his return from a hip injury setback when he faces young compatriot and two-time major winner Alcaraz in an exhibition match in Las Vegas on Sunday.

The former world No 1 played his first tournament in almost a year at the Brisbane International in January, where he reached the quarter-finals. The Spaniard withdrew from the 2024 Australian Open due to a hip muscle issue that surfaced during his loss to Jordan Thompson in Brisbane.

Prior to Brisbane, Nadal had not played a singles match since losing to Mackenzie McDonald in the second round of the 2023 Australian Open, where he sustained a hip injury. He underwent arthroscopic surgery to treat the psoas muscle in his hip in June 2023.

The 37-year-old hoped to compete at the ATP 250 tournament in Doha last month, but he was forced to withdraw. Following the Netflix Slam, Nadal intends to play the Indian Wells Masters, which will run from March 6-17

Speaking at a press conference in Las Vegas ahead of his encounter with Alcaraz, Nadal expressed uncertainty about his physical state.

“I don’t know how I am. To be really honest, because at this point I have no choice but to be honest, I haven’t played a set since Brisbane. I’ve had better and worse moments. The most important thing for me is that I’m here. This, it’s reality. If I’m here it’s already good news,” the Mallorcan said.

“Two weeks ago, beyond the results, the goal was to play the Las Vegas and Indian Wells match and I’m closer to achieving it. I don’t know what level I’ll be at in Indian Wells, but it is the least important thing today. I promise. For me it is important to spend a few days in Indian Wells and train with professionals.

“I am excited to play with Carlos in Las Vegas. The preparation for Indian Wells has been bad and for Brisbane had been good. I hope to play a set between this Sunday’s match and the three days I have left before the debut. For me, the priority is to try to get out of Indian Wells unscathed.”

The 22-time Grand Slam champion also spoke about the blow of getting injured in the first tournament of his comeback in Brisbane.

“I was in the pools and when it happens, more than for not playing the Australian Open, it is a step back because I have to stop again,” Nadal added.

“I was playing well there and with a good feeling. If I had been able to play in Australia and then in Doha, which was the planned calendar, regardless of the results you are already on the wheel.

“When you are of an advanced age if you stop your body is no longer prepared. If you play the body adapts to the loads. If you stop there is a greater risk of injury. It is no longer just a tennis level issue.”