Australian Open director expects Nadal to return in Melbourne

Rafael Nadal will make his return on the court at the Australian Open in January, tournament director Craig Tiley said on Wednesday, as the 37-year-old former world number is still recovering after undergoing hip surgery earlier this year.

The Spaniard, who has won 22 Grand Slam titles, has been out of action since January after hurting his hip flexor in a second-round defeat at the Australian Open.

He underwent surgery on a hip muscle in June and was expected to be sidelined for about five months, but his recovery turned out to be more difficult than expected. “We can reveal exclusively here that Rafa will be back,” Tiley said on The Today Show.

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“He’s been off for most of the year and in talking to him over the last few days he confirmed he will be back, which we’re really excited about, the champion of 2022. That’s awesome.”

Nadal has said he expects to retire following the 2024 season, with a series of injuries limiting his appearances on Tour.