Rafael Nadal is known for his persistence. He pushes through injuries, often playing tennis with large, bloody blisters all over his hands. Recently, Nadal made his long-awaited return to the Association of Tennis Professionals (ATP) Tour — but after deciding to shut down his 2021 season due to a chronic foot problem, some thought it was the end for Nadal. 

His injury led Nadal to take time off from tennis, beginning at the end of the summer to the start of the new year. As a result, the athlete missed Wimbledon, the US Open, and the Tokyo Olympics — all major tournaments for which he was a top favorite.

This December, however, after months of rehabilitation, Rafael Nadal announced that he would participate in the Melbourne ATP 250 tournament. Although potentially frustrating for the fans of other players on the ATP Tour, this news was a massive win for the tennis community as a whole. 

Nadal won the Melbourne ATP 250 event upon his return, which was his 89th ATP career title. He is currently playing in the fourth round of the Grand Slam Australian Open. 

“Every single day I was scared I would not return. Sometimes I’d go on the court and be able to practice only 20 minutes,” an emotional Rafael Nadal said to reporters after his 3rd round Australian Open victory over Karen Khachanov.

Unfortunately, Nadal’s most recent injury is a reminder that even the best tennis players cannot withstand the test of time. With age inevitably comes an increased susceptibility to injuries, and though Nadal’s career is currently thriving, it is uncertain when the flame of greatness of such a fearless player will be snuffed for good.