{"id":300261,"date":"2023-12-12T17:32:54","date_gmt":"2023-12-12T17:32:54","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/allmysportsnews.com\/?p=300261"},"modified":"2023-12-12T17:32:54","modified_gmt":"2023-12-12T17:32:54","slug":"novak-djokovic-and-fritz-have-already-sent-message-to-nadal-ahead-of-return","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/allmysportsnews.com\/tennis\/novak-djokovic-and-fritz-have-already-sent-message-to-nadal-ahead-of-return\/","title":{"rendered":"Novak Djokovic and Fritz have already sent message to Nadal ahead of return"},"content":{"rendered":"

<\/p>\n

As Rafael Nadal prepares to make his long-awaited comeback, some of his competitors have already sent the Spaniard a message about his return. Novak Djokovic has one final wish for his rivalry with the 22-time Grand Slam champion while Taylor Fritz gave his verdict on what it would be like to face Nadal at this stage of his career. But the man himself is trying to tame expectations ahead of his first tournament back in Brisbane.<\/p>\n

Nadal has been out of action since January when he injured his left psoas at the Australian Open. The 37-year-old shut down his season in May and underwent arthroscopic hip surgery a few weeks later. Last month he finally shared the news that fans had been waiting to hear, confirming that he\u2019d be able to return to competition, and a few days ago he said his comeback would come at the Brisbane International.<\/p>\n

After almost a year away from competition, Nadal\u2019s return has come as big news to his old rivals, some of whom have already shared their thoughts on his revival. When the 37-year-old first announced that he\u2019d be able to make his way back to the tennis tour, Djokovic was one of the first players to respond.<\/p>\n

\u201cI think it would be nice for the sport to have at least one more match between Nadal and me,\u201d the world No 1 said during the ATP Finals. \u201cThat’s the biggest rivalry in terms of the amount of matches played that this sport ever had. Hopefully that can happen.\u201d<\/p>\n

Click here to join our WhatsApp community to be the first to receive breaking and exclusive tennis news.<\/strong><\/p>\n

Just in <\/strong> Raducanu plots Australian Open comeback as star appears on list with a catch[LATEST] <\/strong><\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

As well as sharing his own wish for Nadal\u2019s comeback, the 24-time Grand Slam champion complimented his rival for persevering. Djokovic added: \u201cHe’s a big warrior. He’s somebody that really never gives up. With all the injuries that he had, keeps going. That’s definitely something that you have to respect and admire about him and his spirit. For the world of tennis, no doubt that it’s amazing news that he’ll be back.\u201d<\/p>\n

Meanwhile, Fritz has given his verdict on how Nadal\u2019s return could pan out, admitting that the Spaniard might be rusty at first. The American has beaten the 37-year-old in two of their four meetings and believes that no one will want to face him early on, even if he isn\u2019t his usual self.<\/p>\n

\u201cI think that maybe it\u2019s going to be tough. Maybe he might be a little bit rusty,\u201d the world No 10 explained. \u201cI think it\u2019s going to be pretty crazy having him in draws where he\u2019s going to be unseeded. So anybody can play Rafa in the first round, so it\u2019s going to be pretty crazy.<\/p>\n