Rafael Nadal on the occasion of his long-awaited return

Rafael Nadal remains convinced he will be able to return to his former form despite his recent injuries.

This season has been difficult for Rafael Nadal, having missed Wimbledon and the Tokyo Olympics. He tried to make a stunning comeback at the ATP 500 tournament in Washington, but instead a discomfort in his foot kept him from performing at his best.

However, the 20-time Grand Slam champion is vowing to make another comeback when he sets foot in Abu Dhabi next month.

Ahead of the exhibition event, Nadal spoke about how difficult the past few months have been for an aging player like him, both mentally and emotionally.

“When you get a little older, feelings are different in every way,” Nadal confessed via Tennis World USA. “But at the same time, even today, I had a very difficult time in terms of my foot injury. So I need to come back with optimism by the start of next year. Of course, I’m going to have my doubts, but I know the process, I’ve been there plenty of times.

“It’s true that every time you get older it gets harder [to recover] but I’m very excited about the process and the things I have to do to try to get back, ”he continued. “So, even with doubts, I am convinced that if I am able to play without too much pain, I will have my chances.”

Nadal’s plan is to have a good warm-up at the exhibition event in Abu Dhabi before heading to the Australian Open next year.