Rafael Nadal gearing up for clay coda with last hurrah at Indian Wells

The Spaniard faces a tough test in the first round against Milos Raonic, who is also keen to put dispiriting injuries behind him

As he prepared for what could very well be his final professional season this year, Rafael Nadal ensured that he took his time and he was ready for whatever was left. He wrote off the entire 2023 season after his serious hip injury at the Australian Open, only returning in time for the new year.

And yet, within a couple of matches into this season, the 22-time grand slam champion's body betrayed him again. In the first week of January, Nadal limped out of the Brisbane tournament with another hip injury, missed the Australian Open and has not competed for two months.