Rafael Nadal's uncle and long-time coach Toni Nadal has issued an encouraging update that suggests the Spaniard is planning to play at the first Grand Slam of 2024.

The 37-year-old has been out of action since suffering an injury to his left psoas tendon at the Australian Open in January, which was initially thought would keep him out of action for up to eight weeks.

However, following failed rehabilitation attempts, Nadal was forced to undergo an arthroscopic procedure in Barcelona in June where an old labrum injury was also addressed.

According to reports, the 22-time Grand Slam champion has been training at his academy in Mallorca, Spain and appears to be on his way to recovery for next season.

"My goal and my ambition is to try and stop and give myself an opportunity to enjoy the next year and that will probably be my last year in the professional tour," said Nadal.

"That is my idea but I can™t say 100% it will be like this, but my idea and my motivation is to try to enjoy and say goodbye to all the tournaments that have been important for me."

Rafael Nadal has missed more majors due to injuries (15) than he has major losses against Djokovic, Federer, Murray, Wawrinka and Alcaraz COMBINED (14).

The greatest ever and a 'what if' at the same time. pic.twitter.com/td5V22tNOo
— Ù‹ (@nadalprop_) September 12, 2023

The Spanish clay court master also all but confirmed that next season will be his final season on the ATP tour.

"My goal and my ambition is to try and stop and give myself an opportunity to enjoy the next year and that will probably be my last year in the professional tour," said Nadal.

"That is my idea but I can™t say 100% it will be like this, but my idea and my motivation is to try to enjoy and say goodbye to all the tournaments that have been important for me."

His long-time coach and Uncle Toni Nadal confirmed to ElDesmarque de Cuatro that plans are in motion for his nephews' comeback to professional tennis.

"Rafa is fine, recovering," said Toni.

If everything goes well, he wants to return to the courts for the 2024 Australian Open,"

These comments all but confirm that Nadal will not make an appearance at the Davis Cup later this year following various encouraging reports from Spain.

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