Former world No. 1 Rafael Nadal, facing a setback due to a micro muscle tear in Brisbane, might stage a swift return, according to tennis analyst Alex Corretja. Despite withdrawing from the Australian Open, Nadal’s recovery time could be as short as one week. Corretja suggested that Nadal might not wait for the clay season and could enter tournaments as soon as he feels fit. The 37-year-old, who recently returned from a year-long injury hiatus, remains optimistic about his recovery, with a potential exhibition match with Carlos Alcaraz in Las Vegas on March 3. Corretja emphasized Nadal’s desire to compete once he’s physically ready, possibly making an announcement after resuming training, with the prospect of participating in tournaments as early as next month. Despite the initial estimate of a three-week recovery period, Nadal’s return might align with February events before Indian Wells in March. The tennis community awaits updates on Nadal’s schedule, but the possibility of an earlier comeback than expected remains on the table.
