"I am crying" "Hopefully we're treated to at least one classic versus Novak Djokovic" - Rafael Nadal announcing 2024 return delights fans

Rafael Nadal disclosed on Friday (December 1) that he will make his much-awaited return to professional tennis at next year's Brisbane International. The update has greatly delighted tennis fans.

Nadal, a 22-time Major winner, played only four matches in 2023, losing three of them. In his last match, in the second round of the 2023 Australian Open, the Spaniard lost in straight sets to Mackenzie McDonald.

Nadal has been out of action since then, due to a serious hip injury he picked up in Melbourne. He eventually underwent arthroscopic surgery to fix the issue and has been undergoing rehabilitation over the last few months in a bid to make his comeback next year.

On Friday, the 37-year-old took to his X handle to disclose in a short video that he would be returning to the ATP tour at the 2024 Brisbane International. One fan became emotional at hearing the good news and commented:

"I AM CRYING I AM SO HAPPY"

Another fan, meanwhile, expressed excitement at the prospect of watching the Spanish ace take on his archrival and World No. 1 Novak Djokovic again.

"Hopefully we're treated to atleast one classic versus Novak," they wrote.

One fan also professed how they had missed the 22-time Major winner on the tour.

"We missed you Rafa! The king is back!!" they wrote.

Here are a few more reactions from social media:

Rafael Nadal will be joined by Holger Rune and Andy Murray at Brisbane International 2024

Rafael Nadal celebrates at the 2022 Melbourne Summer Set

Rafael Nadal will be hopeful of getting some match practice during the lead-up to the 2024 Australian Open. Since the Spaniard is currently ranked a lowly 663rd in the world, he needs a wildcard to play the Brisbane International.

The ATP 250 tournament, which will run from December 31, 2023, to January 7, 2024, will also feature the likes of Holger Rune, Andy Murray, and Ben Shelton.

Nadal has only played at the 250-level event in Brisbane once in his career - back in 2017. The Spaniard had an unceremonious campaign back then, losing in the quarterfinals to former World No. 3 Milos Raonic.

Incidentally, Nadal played a tune-up event in Australia two years ago, at the Melbourne Summer Set - which he won without dropping a single set. He ended up going all the way at the Australian Open a few weeks later, beating Daniil Medvedev from two-sets-to-love down to nab his second Major title Down Under.