Nadal to play Australian Open after injury

AFP, Melbourne :
Rafael Nadal will return to Grand Slam action at the Australian Open in January, Tournament Director Craig Tiley said on Wednesday, for what will almost certainly be the Spaniard’s farewell to Melbourne.

The 22-time major winner has not played since his second-round loss to American Mackenzie McDonald at the Australian Open in January this year because of a hip injury.

The 37-year-old has twice undergone surgery during his long rehabilitation and said last month that he was still aiming to finish his career in 2024.

“Our 2022 champion Rafa Nadal has been working hard on his rehab for most of this yea,” said Tiley, who also expects home favourite Nick Kyrgios to return from injury.

“He (Nadal) always brings his best to Melbourne and no one can doubt how hard he competes.