Two-time Australian Open champion Rafael Nadal pours cold water on Tennis Australia's claim
Two-time Australian Open champion Rafael Nadal appears to have poured cold water on the news he will return to Melbourne Park in January.
Tennis Australia boss Craig Tiley spoke to Nine's Today on Wednesday and claimed the 22-time grand slam winner will make his injury comeback at the Aussie major.
But a single tweet in response to the headlines Down Under suggests Nadal isn't as confident as Tiley that he will be fit to compete.
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"I appreciate the vote of confidence from the Australian Open," Nadal posted.
"I am practicing every day and working hard to come back asap", which was followed by a wink emoji.
Nadal won the event in 2022 when overcoming injury to beat Daniil Medvedev in one of the great Australian Open finals.
Rafael Nadal may be coming back Down Under Getty
After breaking the news on Today, Tiley later expanded when speaking at the Australian Open launch in Melbourne.
"He's not going to come into the event unless he thinks he can win it," Tiley said of Nadal.
"He's not going to just show up to play, he's going to show up to win. I called him. We stay in touch.
Rafael Nadal's love-hate relationship with Australian Open and his career Down Under
Rafael Nadal's love-hate relationship with Australian Open and his career Down Under
"You always get your hopes up because you want people like Rafa to be here. He particularly is someone who loves Australia.
"So far the early signs have been really good"."
Nadal's triumph in Melbourne in 2022 was epic, but he has since struggled with multiple injuries.
After winning Roland-Garros that same year he was forced to withdraw from his Wimbledon match against Kyrgios, and has rarely been seen on the court since.
He only made it to the second round of this year's Australian Open before being bundled out by American challenger MacKenzie McDonald.
"Can't say that I am not destroyed mentally at this time, because I will be lying. It's hard for me," Nadal said after that loss.
He held a press conference ahead of Roland-Garros where many thought he may announce his retirement, but it was only to withdraw from his favourite slam.
He has since suggested 2024 will be his final season on tour.
Nadal is 37 years old and has 22 slams to his name, second only behind long-time rival Novak Djokovic.
