November 15, 2012 | By Long Island Tennis Magazine Staff
Photo credit: Kenneth B. Goldberg
Spain’s Rafael Nadal has announced that he will again attempt to hit the practice courts next week, following a near six-month absence that prevented him from taking part in the 2012 U.S. Open, the ATP World Tour Finals and representing his home nation at the 2012 Olympic Games in London. Nadal has not played since June 28th at Wimbledon when he was upset by Czech Lukas Rosol 6-7(9), 6-4, 6-4, 2-6, 6-4 in the second round.
“Things are going well. But the doctor said we had to strengthen the tendon, and there we are,” said Nadal’s coach and uncle, Toni Nadal. “What matters is that the tendon is at full strength.”
Nadal is targeting the 2013 Australian Open in January for his full-time return to the courts, and may participate in events at Abu Dhabi and Doha prior to the Australian Open.
