Holger Rune hails 'unbelievable' Rafael Nadal as Andy Murray celebrates 'great' return for Australian Open

Published 30/12/2023 at 21:36 GMT

Rafael Nadal appears set to return to competitive tennis at the start of the year, in time for the first Grand Slam event of 2024. The Australian Open is the first chance for the 37-year-old Spaniard to compete again at the very highest level after struggling with a long-term injury that has kept him out of the sport for a year as he battled for fitness.

'Incredible intensity' - Nadal wows Rune and Murray in practice sessions

Holger Rune and Andy Murray are both excited for the return of Rafael Nadal ahead of the Australian Open.

The veteran Spaniard missed the majority of 2023 as he has struggled with a hip injury he picked up at last season's opening Grand Slam of the year.

He had said he would be limiting his schedule on the ATP Tour but now looks to be ready to take part in the 2024 season.

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The 37-year-old may be hoping for one last tilt at the French Open, where he holds a record 14 titles at Roland-Garros, and also the Olympics in Paris, which will be held at the same venue.

Rune has practised with the tennis great recently and was impressed with what he saw.

He said at the Brisbane International: "So it's funny, after the practice today I talked to my team and I thought he (Nadal) played unbelievable.

"He was hitting strong, he always used to hit strong also. But then we started points and I thought he was moving really well, moving side to side extremely fast and I think the intensity he brings is incredible.

“I think I've been playing a very intense pre-season and a very intense end of the season last year and that was probably the hardest practice I've had the last half year, I would say."

'I miss playing Novak and Rafa' - Murray yearns for top-level battles

Fellow Grand Slam winner Murray was keen to have Nadal back on the circuit, after his own struggles with hip problems.

"It's great to have him back playing," Murray said. "He's obviously working extremely hard, like always. Always very intense practices with him and yeah physically he looked good, he was playing well."

Murray has had great battles with Nadal and current world No. 1 and defending Australian Open champion Novak Djokovic, and would relish the prospect of locking horns again.

"Yeah. I mean, obviously I would like the opportunity to play against them again, ideally in the latter stages of big tournaments," the Scot said. "That's something that, you know, obviously I've missed that feeling and not had that opportunity really. I can't remember the last time I played them, to be honest.

"So yeah, it's been a really long time. So yeah, if I get the opportunity to practise with them, I still really, really enjoy that. It does bring back some good memories. But yeah, ideally I would want to be doing that in the tournaments, you know, and not in the first rounds. I'd like to be doing it in the latter stages if I can."