Rafael Nadal to Return to Tennis Following Injury Setback

Despite a morale blow from his withdrawal from the Australian Open, Nadal is preparing for a cautious comeback on the Middle Eastern hardcourts.

Rafael Nadal, after a year-long hiatus due to a hip injury, suffered a muscle tear during his comeback at the Brisbane International, forcing him to withdraw from the Australian Open.
Carlos Moya, Nadal's coach, says the team is being cautious with Nadal's recovery, but notes that the setback has had a strong impact on morale.
Nadal is expected to return to action on the Middle Eastern hardcourts, competing in the 2024 Qatar Open in Doha before traveling to the United States for the Sunshine Double.
The decision to play on hardcourts rather than clay is to avoid excessive switching of surfaces, which Moya says is not easy.
Some fans have expressed skepticism about Nadal's comeback, with comments ranging from predictions of further injury to calls for his retirement.