Rafael Nadal's uncle Toni on Spaniard's comeback: "Things are going almost better than we expected"
Rafael Nadal's uncle Toni has shared his thoughts on the Spaniard's comeback, admitting that things have gotten off to a better start than they had expected.
After 12 months of inactivity, Nadal returned to action at the 2024 Brisbane International, where has won his first two matches, against Dominic Thiem and Jason Kubler, in straight sets. Up next, he takes on Jordan Thompson in the quarterfinals.
Speaking to Onda Cero Mallorca in a recent interview, Toni Nadal, who was part of his nephew's entourage until recently, said that the 37-year-old is playing at a good level. But the Spaniard wants to see how Nadal fares against tougher opponents.
While Toni Nadal emphasized that the 22-time Grand Slam champion cannot come back from injuries anymore with the same rigor that he had in his younger days, he's optimistic in general and looks forward to seeing how he continues on tour.
"Rafa can be very happy because the level he is showing is good enough. It's an exciting start, but we have to see him in more difficult games. At the moment, things are going almost better than we expected," Toni Nadal said, in quotes collected by Marca.
"Rafa has always had the good ability to get into shape very quickly. Sometimes, after many injuries, she has come back even better than she had done before. This time is the most difficult because the years are there and it is more complicated. Let's see if I can continue like this," he added.
Rafael Nadal could have a good Australian Open if he gets a good draw, says uncle Toni
Toni Nadal also touched on his nephew's chances at the upcoming Australian Open, saying that if he gets a few more challenging matches in Brisbane and a good draw in Melbourne, he could have a very good tournament.
"I think you do have options. If Rafael manages to play a few more matches, if in Brisbane he plays with more qualified people and in the Australian Open he has a good draw, essential as he is not seeded, it is possible that he will have a good tournament," Toni Nadal said.
Rafael Nadal has entered the 2024 Australian Open with a protected ranking and will be unseeded at the tournament. It's possible, therefore, that he draws a seeded player in the first round.