Rafael Nadal has returned to the tennis court as he gears up for his appearance in the ‘Six Kings Slams’ exhibition in Saudi Arabia. The Spaniard was last seen in action at the 2024 Paris Olympics.

Nadal, who has had major struggles with injury over the past couple of years, decided to return to the court in Brisbane at the start of the season. However, his plans were derailed by further injuries which kept him out of action of action till the European clay swing.

On his return, the Spaniard, who is widely regarded as the ‘King of Clay’, was a shadow of his former self as he failed to reach the quarterfinal even once during the entire swing. On top of that, the 14-time Roland Garros conqueror was defeated in the opening round by Alexander Zverev.

The 38-year-old decided to compete at the Paris Olympics and made it to the final of Bastad ahead of the prestigious event. At the Olympics, his singles campaign was ended in the second round by longtime rival Novak Djokovic, whereas his doubles campaign, for which he teamed up with Carlos Alcaraz, came to an end in the quarterfinals.

The Spaniard was then slated to play at the US Open and the Laver Cup but decided to pull out of both events.

Nadal is next slated to appear at the ‘Six Kings Slam’ exhibition event in Saudi Arabia. The event will take place from October 16 to October 19 and will also feature Novak Djokovic, Carlos Alcaraz, Jannik Sinner, Daniil Medvedev, and Holger Rune.

The Spaniard took to Instagram to announce to his fans that he has started practicing via a story where he can be seen ripping forehannds. He is currently at the Rafa Nadal Academy in Manocar.

Rafael Nadal will face either Carlos Alcaraz or Holger Rune in the semifinals of the ‘Six Kings Slam’, Novak Djokovic to face either Jannik Sinner or Daniil Medvedev

Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic have received a bye in the quarterfinals of the ‘Six Kings Slam’. They will sit out the opening day (October 16) when Carlos Alcaraz will face Holger Rune to have a semifinal lined up against the Spaniard, whereas, Jannik Sinner will face Daniil Medvedev to have a shot at the Serb in the final 4.

On October 17, the semifinals will take place, which is guaranteed to feature the 22-time and the 24-time Major champions. Following the semifinals, there will be a day’s rest and on October 19 the finals of the inaugural ‘Six Kings Slam’ will be held.

The 38-year-old is also set to be a part of Team Spain for the Davis Cup Finals 2024 knockout stage. Captained by David Ferrer, the squad will also feature Carlos Alcaraz, Marcel Granollers, Roberto Bautista Agut, and Pablo Carreno Busta. Up first, Spain will face Netherlands in the quarterfinals on November 19.