Former world number one Rafael Nadal sets realistic expectations for his return to the tennis courts next month after a lengthy layoff due to a hip injury.
The 37-year-old Spaniard, who has slipped to 663rd in the world rankings, will use the upcoming Brisbane International tournament as a warm-up for the Australian Open in Melbourne.
Nadal, a 22-time Grand Slam champion, acknowledges the challenges ahead and the need to adjust his expectations.
"I expect from myself to expect nothing," Nadal said in a video message on social media. "To have the ability not to demand myself what I have demanded myself throughout my career."
During Nadal's absence, Novak Djokovic surpassed him in the number of Grand Slam titles won, with Djokovic now holding 24 major titles.
Nadal remains focused on returning to the highest level and aims to compete at the French Open, where he holds a record 14 titles.
He anticipates a demanding final season, including the Grand Slams and the Olympic Games, where he won singles gold in Beijing 2008 and doubles gold in Rio 2016.
"I believe I'm in a different moment, situation," Nadal said. "I am in an unexplored terrain."
"I have internalized what I have had throughout my life, which is demand myself the maximum."
Nadal recognizes the need for patience and adapting to his current circumstances.
"Right now what I really hope is to be able not to do that, to accept things are going to be very difficult at the beginning and give myself the necessary time," he added.
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