Rafa Nadal has shown good progress in training since recovering from a hip injury but his coach Carlos Moya still worries about how the former world number one’s body will hold up against the rigours of Grand Slam tennis.
The 37-year-old suffered a muscle issue at Melbourne Park in January that wiped out his season but will return at Brisbane this month before playing in the Jan. 14-28 Australian Open where he won two of his 22 Grand Slam titles.
The Spaniard, who had surgery in June, has said 2024 could be his final year on tour and has stepped up training in recent months to make a comeback and ensure he finishes his career on court.
Nadal dropped out of the top 100 for the first time in 20 years earlier this season and has slipped to number 668 but is eligible for a protected ranking having been injured and not competing for at least six months.
