Rafael Nadal isn't going anywhere and is a serious contender at Brisbane International

The greats like to go out on their own terms, and where possible, at the very top.

Few who saw it could begrudge Pete Sampras rolling back the years at the 2002 US Open, where he defeated Andre Agassi 6–3 6–4 5–7 6–4 in a high-quality final. For the record in that particular instance - I could begrudge Pistol Pete - as I was all over Agassi ante post and Sampras was without a tournament victory in two years!

Whatever my financial position in New York in 2002, it was a fitting way for Sampras to leave the sport. Other legends are not so lucky, with careers ended through injury or via an irreversible decline where they simply cannot find the old magic any longer.

Think of Mike Tyson’s shambolic final effort against Kevin McBride, or a bloated George Best playing in the third tier of English football for AFC Bournemouth in the 1982/83 campaign.

So tennis fans will be viewing Rafael Nadal’s 2024 farewell world tour with a mix of excitement and trepidation.

The Iberian icon has said ‘Uno Mas’ and will play in the Brisbane International this week after nearly a year out due to a hip problem (which needed surgery).

Nobody knows how the 22-time slam champion – currently ranked No 672 in world – will get on. What we do know is he has been handed a late Christmas present with his draw in Brisbane.

He faces qualifier Dominic Thiem first up and will fancy his chances of progressing. Thiem came back from 2-6 3-5 0-40 in the first round of qualifying, in a match that was interrupted by a venomous snake.

If Nadal does the business he would then play either Aslan Karatsev or Jason Kubler. Steady yet unspectacular types Ugo Humbert or Jordan Thompson are potential quarter-final opponents, while Andy Murray is a possible semi-final opponent.

Unlike Nadal, Murray has had no rub with the draw after receiving a stinker first up. The Briton is ranked inside the World’s Top 50, yet somehow drew Grigor Dimitrov in his first round match in Brisbane. Dimitrov has won eight ATP Tour singles titles to date, and is owner of one of the most gorgeous backhands in tennis history. He is ranked No. 14 in the world and at the age of 32 is almost exactly four years younger than Murray.

The pair have played 12 times previously, and Murray has won eight of those contests. However, his last win against the Bulgarian was in 2016 so if you fancy Murray to spring a mild shock he is chalked up at 2/1 for the win with Planet Sport Bet.

Ben Shelton might be popular at 6/1, with the American enjoying a fine last few months of 2023.

Spain’s Raging Bull is no lock to win his first tournament in 12 months, but if the rumours about his return to something like full fitness are true, would you really want to be laying him? Planet Sport Bet have him as their 11/2 second favourite, and that looks a fair price if he is moving freely on court again.

World No 8 Holger Rune is the highest-ranked male in the Brisbane field – and the betting favourite - but is on the other side of the draw to Nadal.

Rune is only 20 but has already won four ATP Tour singles titles, including a Masters 1000 title at the 2022 Paris Masters. The Dane has a rock-solid backhand and does most things well. However, put simply, he is not Nadal. It is just so tough to write Rafa off at any point, given his mental strength.

After not playing competitive tennis for so long he really has no business winning Brisbane, but it is amazing how much hunger he still has despite his wealth and all the success he has enjoyed down the years.

This week, do not be shocked if Nadal makes believers of us all once again.

Tip: Rafael Nadal to win the Brisbane International at 11/2

(Odds provided by Planet Sport Bet and are correct at the time of writing)