In September 2022, Rafael Nadal fulfilled a dream of many, and got a glimpse into the future.
Roger Federer's retirement tears sitting next to him were like a crystal ball for him, a clear reflection of what awaits him around the corner.
Nadal joined in these tears, both because he sympathized with his best friend from Switzerland - and because he realized that it would soon be his turn to say hello and thank you.
Therefore, 2023 is going to be a defining year for the Spaniard.
In this passing he collected two Grand Slam titles, which brought his balance to 22, but he also collected enough pain in his knees to understand that the body will not be able to withstand it for much longer.
Nadal will be celebrating his 37th birthday this year. He is aware of his body's limits, and therefore plans his schedule carefully. "At the beginning of every season there is great excitement," he declared recently, "and right now my goal is to be competitive."
Federer cries, Nadal joins him.
Iconic image, photo: AFP
In general, the year 2023 in tennis is going to be fascinating.
Novak Djokovic returns to Australia after not participating in the tournament last year;
The youngsters Carlos Alquers, Holger Rona, Felix Oja Eliasim and Yannick Siner will come as usual to devour the pitches;
And the slightly older guys - Stefanos Tsitsipas, Kasper Rood, Taylor Fritz, Daniil Medvedev and Andrei Rublev - will try to win titles.
Nadal will have to face all of these, bruised and sore - but also determined and hungry.
Last year he proved that he has the power to win Grand Slam tournaments, even two in a row, something he hasn't done since 2010.
Is he able to do it again this year?
It's hard to believe, but in his case there is no choice.
Nadal.
It will be difficult, but as always interesting, photo: AFP
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