When Rafael Nadal returned for a brief three-match spell at the Brisbane International following nearly a year away from the sport, there was an undeniable intensity that emanated from the Spaniard’s every move on court – even more so than usual, that is.

The 22-time Grand Slam champion had been out of action for the best part of twelve months, undergoing surgery on a right-hip injury during that time, before his highly anticipated return to the tour at the start of the new season.

After such a lengthy absence, there were concerns over how Nadal would hold up physically – concerns that were justified after the Spaniard pulled out of the Australian Open, following just three matches back on tour, with a minor muscle strain.

For all the legitimate questions around his physical state, perhaps not enough focus has been on how an 11-month absence may have actually made Nadal stronger.

Carlos Moya, the Spaniard’s long-time coach, believes that being kept away from the sport that he so loves, and has so dominated in years gone by, may have only made the fire burn that much brighter inside Nadal.

“It reminded me of a bull that has been locked up for a year, you just drop it in the middle and it goes like a beast,” were Moya’s words when recalling Nadal’s return to competitive action in Brisbane.

Nadal’s highest level remains in reach – moya

Moya has few doubts that the 14-time Roland-Garros champion can return to his intimidating highest level.

“I have never been afraid of the level that Rafa can offer. On a physical or tennis level, I know him very well and I know how competitive and humble he is to row when he has to do it,” Moya continued.

“He has a very great tactical intelligence and the different game plans that he has. In that aspect, what I saw does not surprise me because I have seen so many things about Rafa that it is no longer a surprise.

“But it is true that it could not have gone well and started with more doubts.”

When asked whether the former world No 1 could play beyond 2024, despite having said that this would likely be his farewell year on tour, Moya appeared to imply that Nadal could well play beyond the end of this season.

“Yes, why not? He has also said it himself in other interviews.

“He has earned the right to decide how, where and when he wants to retire. Despite his situation, which has changed by having a child, he wants to continue competing in this way.

“I am surprised by the desire he has, his behaviour on the track, always wanting more, his ambition to improve. It is incredible.”

Nadal has announced that he will next play at the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships at the end of next month, before travelling to the United States for the ‘Sunshine Double’ in Indian Wells and Miami.

Should all go well physically for the Spaniard across those tournaments, then he will enter the spring-time European swing with match time under his belt and will once again be a force to be feared across the clay-court stretch.

“If injuries don’t prevent him, I think he will be a candidate player for the tournaments he plays,” Moya concluded.

“He will need continuity, but if he achieves it, he will return to his level.”