'Unexplored Terrain': Rafael Nadal to Enter Brisbane International Without Any Expectations

Legendary tennis player Rafael Nadal, who recently announced his return to the court at the Brisbane International early next year opined that he will participate in the event in Australia without any expectations.

“I think I’m ready and I trust and hope that all goes well and it gives me the opportunity to enjoy myself on the court,” Nadal said.

“I expect from myself to expect nothing,” the 37-year-old reiterated.

The Spaniard has been out with a hip injury since last January and will be seen on the court following a prolonged absence.

Nadal, one of the fiercest competitors on the tour made a name for himself for his sheer determination and grit, through which he captured 22 major titles throughout his career.

“To have the ability not to demand myself what I have demanded myself throughout my career,” Nadal expressed.

“I believe I’m in a different moment, situation. I am in an unexplored terrain,” said a candid Nadal playing down any massive expectations on his scheduled return.

Nadal said that he has internalised his nature to demand the absolute best of himself and will instead cherish the chance to get back to playing tennis once again.

“I have internalised what I have had throughout my life, which is demand myself the maximum,” the Spaniard expressed.

“Right now what I really hope is to be able not to do that, to accept things are going to be very difficult at the beginning and give myself the necessary time,” he said.

Nadal holds the record for the most number of titles on clay with his 14 French Open titles.

He also held the distinction of holding the most number of majors in the men’s category with 22 titles, before long-term rival Novak Djokovic surpassed the Spaniard’s tally in the year 2023 with three grand slam wins, taking the Serb’s count to 24, over the year as Nadal watched on from the sidelines.