"Rafael Nadal’s big goal when he comes back is not Melbourne, but Roland-Garros”- Boris Becker
German tennis legend Boris Becker has said that Rafael Nadal should aim to return to the 2024 Australian Open so that he can be in prime condition to win the French Open next year.
The 22-time Grand Slam champion’s last appearance came at the Melbourne Slam this year where he was knocked out in the second round by Mackenzie McDonald in straight sets — 4-6, 4-6, 5-7. He entered the tournament as the defending champion and was ranked No.2 at that point in time.
Owing to his injury, Rafael Nadal was set to be away from the circuit for six to eight weeks following his 2023 Australian Open exit. However, the Spaniard's comeback has been delayed until next year and he underwent an operation for his injury in June.
Rafael Nadal recently denied the claims made by the Australian Open director Craig Tiley on the Spaniard's comeback in Melbourne next year. Former World No.1 Boris Becker, who is currently serving as a mentor to sixth seed Holger Rune, discussed Rafael Nadal’s return on a Eurosport podcast Das Gelbe vom Ball.
Becker said that in order for the 37-year-old to be at his optimal level, he would have to play in Australia in January to bring out his best on clay later in the year. Becker said (h/t Tennisuptodate.com):
"[Nadal] won’t play his best tennis right away, but he has to play Australia. It is a must for him to perform on clay in April — physically, mentally, playfully.
He added:
"His big goal when he comes back is not Melbourne, but Roland-Garros. It will be a long, rocky road back. The young wild ones don't sleep. They don't say, ‘Nadal, it's nice that you came. We'll let you win now'.
"Nadal should go back on the court and play well. As far as I'm concerned, he can win big tournaments again."
As seen in his Instagram videos, Nadal has only recently returned to practicing on the court.
Rafael Nadal elaborates on his comeback goal
Rafael Nadal recently announced his tennis comeback plans but admitted that he wasn't dreaming of winning the Grand Slams straightaway.
In June, the Spaniard dropped out of the world's top 100 (currently ranked 242) for the first time in 20 years due to his absence in this year's French Open, Wimbledon, and US Open due to his injury.
Rafael Nadal, who is seemingly a private person, was interviewed by Movistar Plus+ last month, where he broke his silence surrounding his comeback plans. He said he wants to play tennis again but doesn't expect to win the 2024 Australian Open, French Open, or other Grand Slam tournaments.
"Yes, I would like to play again and be competitive again, but the dream is not to come back and win Roland Garros or win Australia, so that people don't get confused, right?
"I am very aware that at the time I am in my life, all that is very far away, right? And I don't say it's impossible because in the end I say things, I have said it a thousand times, all things in sport, they change very quickly."