Curious warning on comeback
Rafael Nadal takes four seconds too long in the toilet
January 4, 2024, 4:16 p.m
During his toilet break, Rafael Nadal is informed via walkie-talkie how much time he has left in the actually quiet place. Nevertheless, the tennis superstar returns to the court late at the tournament in Brisbane. However, Nadal can explain that.
Rafael Nadal is in impressive form again after his long injury break, but the 37-year-old Spaniard is not completely spared from mishaps on his comeback tour. During his commanding round of 16 victory over Jason Kubler at the ATP tournament in Brisbane, Nadal received a warning – for exceeding the time limit when going to the toilet.
“It was a bit strange because I knew that I only had five minutes,” Nadal admitted after the confident 6:1, 6:2 success in a humorous interview with the on-court reporter, who nonchalantly asked him about it strange situation: “To be honest, Brisbane is very humid. I had to take off all the clothes one by one, which takes a while.”
Nevertheless, Nadal, who was repeatedly told via walkie-talkie how long the five-minute break remained, thought he had returned on time. In the end, however, his little excursion lasted four seconds too long. “Maybe the guy who was responsible told me the times a little too late,” Nadal speculated to the laughter of the audience. “I thought I was on time, but I know I’m slow and I’ll try to improve on that in 2024.”
For the 22-time Grand Slam tournament winner, the 250 hard court event in northeastern Australia is the first tournament since his dramatic second-round exit at the Australian Open around a year ago. This was the beginning of his long period of suffering due to a hip injury and renewed doubts about whether he would continue his career.
“I need matches and have to stay healthy,” said Nadal, referring to the Australian Open in Melbourne, which begins on January 14th. “I’m happy today,” said the Spaniard after his impeccable performance. “Two wins after a long break, that feels very good. I’m very happy,” said Nadal, who had also already announced that 2024 would probably be his last season. “I have to keep training well, every win and every hour on the court helps me.” In Brisbane he had already impressed in his opening game against the former US Open winner Dominic Thiem, and in the quarterfinals Nadal will face the Australian Jordan Thompson.