Rafael Nadal has wrapped up a week of training with Arthur Fils at Nadal’s academy in Kuwait.
“It’s great to be here in Kuwait to train for a few days,” Nadal posted on his social media accounts. “Everyone has been so welcoming. Thank you for everything.”
The 22-time Grand Slam champion has been training for several weeks as he plots his comeback from a hip injury. He was previously practicing at his academy at home in Mallorca, Spain. Fils was already in the Middle East before taking his talents to Kuwait, as he recently finished runner-up at the NextGen ATP Finals in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.
“He very kindly invited me,” Fils said of Nadal prior to arriving in Kuwait. “I’m going to give it my all. I’m going to get the most out of it…. My idol was Roger, but the more we grow up, the more we appreciate watching Rafa play–his fighting spirit, his game.”
The Rafa Nadal Academy Kuwait opened in February of 2020, right before the start of the Covid-19 pandemic.
Nadal is preparing to begin his 2024 campaign at the Brisbane International, which will precede his Australian Open appearance. The 37-year-old Spaniard has not played since the 2023 Aussie Open, where–plagued by the hip problem–he lost to Mackenzie McDonald in the second round. His planned return without surgery was unsuccessful and Nadal underwent a hip procedure in early June.
sounds like he’s playing relatively well…
Relative to what?
Agree, without specific details about Nadal’s on-court achievements or gameplay, it’s impossible to know what level he is currently playing at.
“Relatively well” means nothing.
“…..since the 2023 Aussie Open, where–plagued by the hip problem–he lost to Mackenzie McDonald in the second round…”
No need to sugar coat it, Rafa was already down and out when he started to feel hip problems, that doesn’t take anything from his greatness, happens to all greats.
Djokovic is the $2 fav to win the Australian Open.
Lay.
Zverev and Rune are good value @ 30s
Hurkacz @ 110
The weirdest thing ever was how Medvedev just accepted defeat after leading two sets to nil in 2022. Most people would’ve been absolutely livid losing a major final from that position when his opponent was struggling physically. If he was more honest with himself, he might have won another grand slam or two since that loss.
He tried to convince himself that because it was Nadal, they made it acceptable.
Nah mate, it wasn’t acceptable and all you had to do was stay solid and get the job done.
You broke everyone’s heart that wanted to see you win that.
Nadal couldn’t believe his luck.
Great to see Rafa back on the court….whether he’s playing “relatively well”, or amazing!
Welcome back Rafa! All the best to you, after a long wait!