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Tyson Fury compared to Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson amid shocking body transformation

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The British heavyweight champion is looking ripped for his fight vs Oleksandr Usyk

Heavyweight champion Tyson Fury has a unique capability of changing his physique in a matter of months through hard training and dedication. Although he has been constantly criticized for the many times he has ballooned out of control, Tyson Fury almost always responds inside the ring with brilliant performances. His poor performance against Oleksandr Usyk was a wake up call for him to get fit again for the most important fight of his boxing career. A unification bout against Oleksandr Usyk that has been moved at least a couple of times but it will happen on May 18. When the initial news of Tyson Fury’s eyebrow injury broke, the man himself posted a picture of the body transformation he experienced in the last couple of months.

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Tyson Fury makes some unhealthy choices while grocery shopping

Tyson Fury is ripped and ready for Usyk
Although it has been a month since the fight was rescheduled, Tyson Fury has kept on training after a short break with his family. In fact, the shape he is in at the moment seems far better than the shape he has ever been before. Tyson Fury is even showing some decent abs in on of the most recent photos he posted. Folks immediately started comparing him to other famous bald-headed people like Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson. It should be interesting to se how much more Tyson Fury will progress before stepping on the ring to fight Usyk.

It is important to note that to this day, Tyson Fury still hasn’t lost a single one of his fights but the one against Francis Ngannou should’ve probably been a defeat. With the current training camp, that entire experience of being dropped by an MMA athlete in the early stages of that fight made Tyson wake up. If he didn’t get serious preparing for Usyk, something similar if not worst could happen to him. Tyson Fury knows that losing this fight could be dangerous for his impeccable record. Come May 18, Oleksandr Usyk will challenge that legacy.

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GYMNASTICS

Fans are exited as the US teen gymnast Tiana Sumanasekera seen training with Simone Biles, aiming for LA 2028

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It’s easy to imagine an 8-year-old Tiana Sumanasekera huddled around a TV or cellphone intently watching as U.S. gymnast Simone Biles swept through the Rio 2016 Olympic Games, where she won four titles.

Tiana Sumanasekera performs on the balance beam

Nearly eight years later, the scene is different. Really different.

Sumanasekera, now 16, still has Biles squarely in focus but now the two are training mates at the gym owned by the four-time Olympic champion’s parents, World Champions Centre (WCC), in Spring, Texas, a suburb of Houston.

“I mean, sometimes it doesn’t even hit me, but when it does, it’s just like, ‘Wow. I’ve really come this far,’” Sumanasekera told reporters during a U.S. training camp earlier this year. “It’s incredible because knowing my younger self, I was just in the sport because I absolutely loved it, and I had such a passion for it.

“So, just being able to do it every day made myself happy and my heart happy,” she continued, “Just knowing that I’ve come this far is something that makes me so incredibly proud and emotional.”

Born in Northern California near San Francisco, Sumanasekera started her elite gymnastics career at West Valley Gymnastics. While there, she finished ninth all-around as a junior at the 2022 U.S. championships.

Following that competition, she made a major move – going from California to Texas and World Champions Centre.

“I knew I wanted to improve my bars if I wanted to be competitive in the senior elite field,” Sumanasekera says of the impetus for the move. “I’ve always been inspired by and always looked up to Cecile and Laurent [Landi’s] coaching style, knowing they brought Simone from one level to the next is something that I was really in awe about. I really loved their coaching style, so I wanted to be a part of that as well and be a part of an incredible team and have the teammates that I do today.”

Little changes, big results
At WCC, what might seem like small changes paid off in big ways.

“I’d say arm conditioning is something that has changed tremendously,” explained Sumanasekera. “I was pretty weak, and I think that was kind of showing in my bars, as well. Something that really changed my bars and made it better was arm conditioning and strengthening my arms and core.”

The uneven bars has always been a difficult event for Sumanasekera. At the 2022 U.S. nationals, she failed to break 11.000 on either day of competition. A year later, after working with the Landis, she went as high as 12.800 at the event.

Team USA | Juniors Dulcy Caylor, Tiana Sumanasekera Represent A Talented Next Generation Of U.S. Gymnasts

That boosted her to a tie for eighth place in her first year as a senior. She also received an invite to the U.S. women’s World Championships and Pan Am Games selection event and was eventually named to the U.S. squad for the Pan Am Games in Santiago, Chile.

The team won gold there.

“I am very proud of how I did in my first senior elite season,” Sumanasekera reflected. “I think it’s something that’s very hard to do, have the perfect season, you know? I went on two international assignments, and being a Pan Am gold medallist, Pan Am Games gold medallist is such a big deal to me.

“Being on that team with Jordan [Chiles] was amazing,” she continued, “and having her lead us throughout the way was such an incredible feeling. I’m very proud of how I did.”

Sumanasekera: “I would love to try for the ’28 Olympics”
She hopes to one day follow in Chiles’ footsteps, all the way to the Olympic Games.

This season, Sumanasekera is yet to compete after opting out of February’s Winter Cup, but she told reporters she’s excited about several skill upgrades (a full-out on floor, a switch leap mount on beam, and a toe-on blind change on the bars) and her new floor routine.

“I’m very excited for it,” she said of floor. “I made it really authentic to myself. I choreographed it myself, so I’m very excited for that. It’s a very upbeat and exciting floor routine, and it shows my ethnic background and my Sri Lankan heritage very well.”

Born in the middle of September 2007, Sumanasekera will still be 16 when this year’s U.S. Olympic trials roll around.

She feels – especially having watched Chiles, Biles and others in her gym compete into their mid 20s – time is on her side.

“Knowing that they are still in the sport and they’re still incredible, they’re in amazing shape… is something that I really look up to and want to be the same,” she said. “I would love to try for the ’28 Olympics. I mean, whatever happens, happens, but that is the goal and I’m just going to enjoy the process throughout the time and have fun with it.”

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BOXING

“Are You Fighting Me or Not?”: Claressa Shields Sends Separate Challenges to Alycia Baumgardner and Cris Cyborg

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Fresh off her MMA victory over Kelsey DeSantis, Claressa Shields is not resting. Her combat spirit is unquenched. Shields, the boxing GWOAT, now eyes the boxing ring again. Past confrontations? They fuel her fire. Remember her sparring with Cris Cyborg? That intensity hasn’t faded.

Now, Shields throws down the gauntlet after verbal spats. Alycia Baumgardner, who is now cleared to get back in the ring, is in her sights. Will Baumgardner step up? Can she handle Shields’ prowess?

154 Pounds of fury from Claressa Shields
Claressa Shields took to Twitter with her trademark bravado after Alycia Baumgardner made a post that simply read, “Sign The Contract”, laying out bold challenges in no uncertain terms. Her first tweet thundered, “You got to come direct, who you telling the sign the contract? Y’all H03s ready to get smoked at 154, JUST LET ME KNOW, PUT IT ON THE FLO BIHH -Latto 🎶 #GWOAT #Claressashields #ShieldsBumgardner ????”

This fiery call-out wasn’t just a random taunt; it was a calculated dare aimed squarely at Alycia Baumgardner, newly cleared of her suspension and hungry to reaffirm her dominance in the boxing world. Just as she steps back into the limelight, free from the shadows of her suspension, Shields’ challenge beckons, offering a high-stakes showdown that could redefine both their careers.

Alycia Baumgardner, emerging fresh from her battle to clear her name from doping allegations, now faces a different kind of fight. The timing couldn’t be more perfect, or intense.

Meanwhile, Shields’ competitive flame burned just as fiercely towards MMA powerhouse Cris Cyborg. Merely minutes later, her second tweet escalated the challenge: “This H03 pressed too! Are you fighting me at 154 or not! #GWOAT #ShieldsSlowborg 😂” This wasn’t merely a tweet, she issued Cyborg the challenge with a screenshot showing that Cyborg blocked Shields on Twitter.

Shields also not so long ago revealed that she thrashed Cris Cyborg when they sparred.

Negotiations to knockouts
The high-stakes tension between Claressa Shields and Cris Cyborg teeters on the edge of becoming a monumental showdown. Shields recounted their past, detailing a sparring session where she dominated, stating, “When I fought against Cris Cyborg in 2018, I took it easy on her… The first and the second round, I beat the s**t out of Cris Cyborg.” Her confidence is palpable, dismissing Cyborg’s boxing skills with, “She cannot box… she can’t mess with me on the day I have a flu.”

This recount of their sparring match amplifies the anticipation, with Shields provocatively calling out, “@criscyborg when you want me to spank your a** again!?” Their previous encounters in the ring, laden with competitive fervor, set the stage for what could be a historic clash, transcending the boundaries of their respective sports.

As the world watches, the questions linger—will Baumgardner step into this high-stakes arena? Can Cyborg settle their unfinished business in the ring? Who do you think will rise to the challenge and face the indomitable Claressa Shields?

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BOXING

Mike Tyson makes abrupt career announcement after agreeing Jake Paul fight

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Mike Tyson has announced a major change to his schedule as he continues with his preparations ahead of fighting Jake Paul in a highly-anticipated boxing match.

Boxing legend Mike Tyson has made a surprise announcement ahead of his fight with Jake Paul in Texas later this year. The former world heavyweight champion has decided to stop recording his ‘Hotboxin’ podcast’ as he gets ready for the big match at AT&T Stadium.

Mike Tyson has admitted something has to give

‘Iron Mike’, as he’s known by his army of fans, will be back in the ring on July 20 to take on social media star Paul in a major come back bout nearly two decades after his retirement. The rules of the fight are still undisclosed but we know that neither man will be wearing headgear and they want it to count as a professional fight.

Now, Tyson has chosen to stop making his podcast, which he started two years ago with co-host Sebastian Joseph-Day as he commits to a grueling schedule to get ready for the bout. In recent days, ‘Kid Dynamite’ has delighted fans with his enthusiastic training displays – having posted videos of his preparations on social media.

Announcing his decision, he admitted: “Ladies and gentlemen, these are my final recordings of Hotboxin’. I really enjoyed being part of this journey and all of the people that I met, the remarkable people that I met, in interviews. This is my next chapter in life, please enjoy the following social on my website for my next venture. I love you all.”

Mike Tyson has made a decision about the project
Mike Tyson has made a decision about his side project in light of the bout

Tyson’s podcast has saw him pit his wits opposite a host of famous guests over the last two years, like UFC commentator Joe Rogan and WWE star The Undertaker – real name Mark Calaway. However, the former heavyweight world champion is going to concentrate on getting ready for his fight against Paul.

Meanwhile, the veteran star has been accused of “faking” his viral training videos in recent weeks – with his trainer Rafael Cordeiro having slammed critics who say the 57-year- old is not ready for the fight. Cordeiro believes Tyson will be able to handle himself just fine against Paul despite the massive 30-year age gap between them.

“After first seeing him, it messed with my shoulder,” Cordeiro said on The MMA Hour as he offered some rare insight into what it is like to train with a bona fide legend of the sport, continuing: “I couldn’t hold mitts for at least six, seven months with my boys in the gym.

“My right shoulder was a big, big mess, and I stopped for a while to take care of my shoulder and do physical therapy,” he continued. “Sometimes, I say 1-2-3, and he’s already inside. If I don’t move back, oh lord. It’s impossible. I have to move back.”

“I believe people don’t have to be concerned. We’re talking about a guy who was a two-time champ. The guy didn’t have 20 fights in two years. He knows how to fight. He fought against the best guys in the world. When he steps inside the ring, he knows what to do. It’s not something new for Mike, and this fight is no different.”

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BOXING

GOAT lessons from Claressa Shields and Katie Taylor have Sandy Ryan primed for Terri Harper showdown

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The glitz, glamour and tall tales of Las Vegas are like nothing else in boxing folklore. Saudi Arabia may be throwing mega money at blockbusting fights in 2024 but Sin City’s allure remains unmatched for the fight game.

Sandy Ryan

That draw of a neon wonderland steeped in boxing is part of what persuaded Britain’s WBO welterweight champion Sandy Ryan (6-1-1, 2 KOs) to turn her life upside down in pursuit of greatness, changing her training and management team and relocating to the Mojave Desert ahead of Saturday’s showdown with two-weight world champion Terri Harper.

Just don’t expect any of those tall tales.

“The training was good. I’ve been locked in, isolated myself and not seen much of Vegas,” Ryan told The Sporting News. “I’m not here to do that.”

Olympic boxing champion Claressa Shields defeats Tori Nelson

The 30-year-old was sporting a slight black eye from her endeavors at DLX Boxing when we spoke and she isn’t kidding when she talks about the sparring Stateside being of the highest level.

Since September’s controversial split decision draw against WBA and WBC champion Jessica McCaskill — a bout many observers felt Ryan won handily — she’s shared rounds with pound-for-pound superstar Claressa Shields.

“It’s great work,” she said. “I respect Claressa massively for what she’s done in the sport, so for me to get some work in with her, I appreciated it.

“We got some really great rounds in. I couldn’t ask for anything more.”

https://x.com/Claressashields/status/1757504359284322701?s=20

It’s not the first time Ryan has been the choice of gym opponent for the very best. Katie Taylor namechecked her sparring partner as a key ingredient in November’s revenge win over Chantelle Cameron for undisputed super lightweight glory. The WBO champ is now working with Taylor’s manager Brian Peters.

“They’re obviously completely different fighters but they’re both great in their own way,” Ryan said of Taylor and Shields, who are ranked No. 1 and No.2 on the Sporting News’ women’s P4P list. “They’re both very professional in their own way.

Claressa Shields: 'I can drive through Flint now and not get flashbacks' | Claressa Shields | The Guardian

“I picked up a lot of things from both of them, which I’m grateful for. I believe I was a help to them also. It’s great as well because it shows where I belong. I’m up there sparring the greats. It’s where I want to get to, the pinnacle of the sport.”

That journey towards the summit continues this weekend against Harper (14-1-2, 6 KOs), another elite combatant Ryan has faced behind closed gym doors. The 27-year-old had her super featherweight reign ended by Alycia Baumgardner in November 2021 before leaping up four weight classes to dethrone Hannah Rankin the following year.

Despite those exploits, this fight being back down at 147 lbs arguably moves Harper back towards her more natural weight. The confidence of both fighters heading into the matchup has lent a spiky edge to the build-up.

https://x.com/MatchroomBoxing/status/1771166553322487990?s=20

“She knows who I am and what I’m bringing to the table. I’m looking forward to getting the best of Terri Harper,” Ryan proclaimed.

“I feel like she’s going to try and box me but if she wants to stand there and fight me, either way I don’t mind. I’m confident in both, whichever way the fight is going to end up. I’m going to be dictating, I’m confident what I bring to the table will be enough to defeat Terri Harper.”

Harper’s previous title defence up at super welterweight ended in a disputed draw with Cecilia Braekhus at the same Sheffield Arena where Saturday’s blows will be traded.

Outcomes such as that and Ryan’s deeply questionable draw with McCaskill have added weight to arguments that the elite female fighters should be able to compete over three-minute rounds, allowing their range of skills more time to shine and decisively claim an upper hand.

Claressa Shields fighting for gender equality for women boxers | KTVE - myarklamiss.com

“I don’t mind, I can fight two minutes or three minutes,” Ryan said. “I train three and four minute rounds in the gym so I don’t mind going to three minutes, but it’s not my call. I’m just doing what I’m told to do.

“I also believe that if they did make it three minutes then they have to make the pay equal if they’re making the time equal.”

Ryan vs. Harper is the co-main event alongside undefeated Sheffield super lightweight Dalton Smith’s step-up test against Jose Zepeda. It’s not quite equal billing, but a rejuvenated and re-focused Ryan might just end up stealing the show with a performance worthy of the Las Vegas fight fraternity to which she now belongs.

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TENNIS

Novak Djokovic Lets His Alter Ego Dictate Terms Once Again In Hilarious Tennis Clip

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Novak Djokovic‘s limited presence right from the start of this season has been making fans more eager to hear from him. Having pulled out of the Miami Open, making a surprise appearance for the fans at the ATP Tour season 52, the Serb is back once again to unleash the role of Bert Critchley. Or is it the other way around? Only ATP knows!

The whole tennis world was in a loop of mystery as Djokovic surprised fans with an unusual appearance, ripping his t-shirt off. Bert Critchley has always been about the ‘realism’, but the Djoker has other ideas!

Novak Djokovic shares ‘behind the scenes’ of his mysterious Bert Critchley role
The tennis world experienced a massive shock when the ATP tour uncovered that the iconic figure known as Novak Djokovic is, in fact, a character played by actor Bert Critchley. The Tour, which has always been known for tennis excellence, has been disclosed to be nothing more than the world’s best-scripted reality show titled ‘The Tour.’

Giving another update on the show, ‘Novak Djokovic’ shared behind-the-scenes footage of a video in which he was previously seen ripping his t-shirt off. Djokovic, or rather Critchley, can be seen discussing the details of his act with a crew member. “Should I then rip my shirt off?” Djokovic asks, to which the crew member responds, “No, that will be the next bit.”

Critchley’s journey from a young skiing pro to a tennis legend left many fans puzzled and in shock. Along with Djokovic, the sequence also involved several other players from the ATP circuit, making them a part of the ‘truth’.

Andy Murray stepping into a different dimension
It wasn’t just Novak Djokovic who became a part of this mysterious revelation by the ATP tour. Along with him, Andy Murray’s role was also swapped with Sir Fraser McKnight. In a video that gave out glimpses of their role, one of his dialogues blew the fans’ minds.

“Let’s face it: people are stupid. So, they’ll buy anything,” McKnicght said on the fact that everyone always believed that he was Andy Murray. Even Gaël Monfils, or Peter Arthur, made a shocking revelation – he’s not actually athletic in real life!

Who’s your favorite ‘actor’ on the ATP Season 52 so far? Let us know your picks in the comments below!

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GOLF

5 things to know from the Seri Pak Championship, where Rose Zhang contends and Lexi Thompson exits early

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With the LPGA back in the U.S. for the first time since January, a number of the tour’s stars have returned including Rose Zhang. It’s finals week at Stanford, yet Zhang isn’t playing like someone who balanced practice rounds at the Fir Hills Seri Pak Championship with term papers and exams.

As No. 1 Lilia Vu clawed her way back to play the weekend, another breakout star from 2023, defending champion Ruoning Yin, finds herself in familiar territory.

Here are five things to know from the early action at Palos Verdes Golf Club, where the legendary Seri Pak plays host to the next generation.

Back for more

Yin hasn’t had the best start to 2024 but still sounded confident coming into Palos Verdes, where she won her first LPGA title last year. Her second-round 65 included a front-nine 31 (her second nine of the day).

“The front nine the fairway is wide open and I can smoke it whenever I want,” she explained. “Plus, today’s pin position is quite easy for attack. I can be aggressive.”

Yin credited her caddie, veteran David Jones, for repeatedly reminding her to stay patient.

Full marks


Zhang returned to the LPGA after nearly a two-month break and put herself right back in contention. The Stanford student reports that she received full marks on an exam she took on Tuesday.

On the leaderboard at Palos Verdes, she’s one back of defending champion Yin.

“We’re slowly getting there,” said Zhang, who wrapped up the winter quarter earlier this week. “I think being able to come back and really stay in the zone, I think what I really missed about competitive golf is once you’re in the zone, it feels really good to just commit to everything that you have and put your all out there.”

Zhang, who shot a second consecutive 68, won a college event at Palos Verdes in February 2023 and reports that the greens are softer this time around.

“Last year I remember I couldn’t go at any pins just because it was so hard to stop the ball in certain areas,” she said. “This year I think it’s a little bit more playable. You can attack in certain areas.”

Terrific turnarond


Maria Fassi joked that she should get the “most improved gold star” for her 6-under 65. The former NCAA champ opened with a brutal 76 and looked in danger of not playing the weekend.

While Fassi has missed the cut in her two previous LPGA starts this year, she did finish third on the LET in Morocco.

“I would’ve quit golf a long time ago without the amazing people I have around me,” said Fassi. “They really keep me in it. Yeah, I have a lot of very good friends out here as well that just always say the right thing when I need to hear, whether they know it or not.”

Friday slump


Lexi Thompson holed out for eagle, her second of the day, to end Thursday’s round at Palos Verdes. Unfortunately, the momentum didn’t carry over to Friday.

Thompson’s second-round 78 included six bogeys, one double and only one birdie. She hit only 10 fairways and 10 greens on Friday and took 33 putts. This was Thompson’s second LPGA start this season. She has played in two LET events, finishing 11th two weeks ago in Florida.

She finished the Seri Pak event at 7 over.

College connection


This week marks the third time Palos Verdes has hosted an LPGA event. Zhang is one of five past winners of the Therese Hession Regional Challenge in the field this week, joined by World No. 1 Lilia Vu (2018), Andrea Lee (2019), Lindy Duncan (2012) and Carlota Ciganda (2011).

There are 11 alums between UCLA and USC in the field. Rookie Malia Nam, who opened with a 65 on Thursday, said she’s played Palos Verdes over 100 times.

“It’s really nice that we were able to practice here,” said Nam. “We had a tournament here every year. I was able to play that when I was in college, so, yeah, it really helped today just knowing exactly what clubs I’m going to have in and how to prepare for this tournament as well.”

Players representing the Bruins this week include Alison Lee, Ryan O’Toole, Patty Tavatanakit and Vu. Former Trojans include major champions Sophia Popov and Allisen Corpuz, Gabriela Ruffels, Lizette Salas, Jennifer Song, Gabriela Then and Nam.

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GOLF

‘Sponsors Exemption What a Joke’: Charlie Woods Faces Golf World’s Fury Ahead of His AJGA Debut

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It has been more than a month since Tiger Woods has been missing from the greens. After withdrawing from the Genesis Invitational in round two, the golf great went on another short hiatus to better care for his health. However, despite being away from the cameras, Woods was seen visiting North Carolina with his son, Charlie Woods.

The TW Legion tweeted that Woods accompanied Woods Jr for his AJGA debut. Charlie Woods has been given a sponsor’s exemption to play at the Will Lowery Championship at the Carolina Country Club in Sanford. It will be a 54-hole event for boys and girls aged 12 to 19.

This will be the 15-year-old golfer’s first outing after attempting to qualify for the Cognizant Classic earlier this year, which attracted a group of rowdy fans. Regardless, Charlie Woods’s receiving a sponsor’s exemption did not sit well with many in the golf world. Although Woods always supported his son, it seems that the reactions from the golf world have been strikingly opposite.

The netizens disapproved of the leeway given to Woods’s son and posted many sarcastic remarks about his skills. This time, they were questioning whether Charlie Woods should have received the exemption.

Netizens disparage Charlie Woods before his AJGA debut
Being the son of unarguably one of the best golfers does carry some disadvantages, and people being critical of his every move is one of them. And Charlie Woods has had it done to him quite a few times. This was not a rarity that had been evoked in the golf world.

One fan was utterly shocked that Charlie Woods was given a sponsor’s exemption for AJGA and retorted that he should stick to high school for the time being.

This user made a sarcastic jibe at Charlie Woods, who has been called “GOAT in waiting”. They satirically asked that if he was the best Jr in the country, why did he need a sponsor exemption?

One viewer was in disbelief at a golfer requesting a sponsor’s exemption to play at the AJGA event. They asked, “How do you need a sponsor exemption for AJGA ???”

This spectator remarked that Charlie Woods should be playing at the junior events rather than trying to qualify for Tour events as he did for Cognizant Classic.

One believed that Charlie Woods took the place of someone more deserving and then called the sponsor exemption a joke. They said, “How many kids better then Woods missed out on a spot because his name is Woods.”

Lastly, one shared how security at the Carolina Country Club has been increased as last time, fans flocked to Charlie Woods at the Cognizant Classic’s pre-qualifier.

Charlie Woods will be playing at the Will Lowery Championship from March 21st to 24th. While sponsor exemptions are part of golf, was it unreasonable that Woods Jr. received one? Tell us in the comments below.

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CELEB NEWS

Utah Royals Part-Owner Lindsey Vonn Attends Home Opener

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To be here with on opening day with our squad and to see their sheer determination and teamwork was so inspiring. We win or lose, together! Big thank you to the fans, the energy in the stadium was fire!!” –Lindsey Vonn

Lindsey Vonn said she’d be in the house for the home opener when she announced she had taken part ownership of the NWSL’s Utah Royals back on February 29th and she made good on that promise.

The game broke a Utah state record for highest attendance for a woman’s sporting event with 20,370 fans packing into America First Field in Sandy, Utah. The Royals lost 2-0 to the Chicago Red Stars but the day was a success for Lindsey, The Royals and woman’s sports overall.

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TENNIS

Rafa Nadal: The first goal is to try to compete, I’m going day by day

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The Spanish tennis star will do everything possible to start the clay court season

Rafael Nadal has expressed a cautious approach towards his return to the clay court season, emphasizing a day-by-day strategy without setting concrete expectations.

Speaking before the ceremony of the Second Rafael Nadal Foundation Awards, which honored former Brazilian soccer player Rai Souza for his educational and sports-based project ‘Gol de Letra’, Nadal shared his aspirations and current challenges.

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“I will do my best to try to start the clay season, which is my goal, I am working for that and striving for that goal, but I don’t dare to say anything about what might happen because lately it has been difficult for me to make predictions, unfortunately,” Nadal said.

He acknowledged his continuous training efforts despite not being able to adhere to his preferred schedule.

“I’ve not stopped training at any time. I’m trying all the time. I feel fine, I just haven’t managed to follow the schedule I would have liked to. Hopefully things can change, but as you can imagine I can’t say because I don’t know myself,” Nadal continued.

Nadal is a realist
Regarding his outlook on returning to competitive play, Nadal described himself as a realist rather than an optimist.

“It doesn’t matter whether I’m optimistic or not; I’m a realist. For the last year and a half or two it’s been impossible for me to compete, so the first objective is to try to compete and I’m going day by day,” Nadal stressed.

“If I had to be optimistic or negative, I probably wouldn’t even be trying. It’s a long time, I’m very old and I’ve got a very long career behind me. At the end of the day I try not to be one thing or the other, I try to go day by day, do the work I have to do to give myself opportunities and we’ll see how long we can try.”

Nadal also highlighted his pragmatic perspective due to the challenges he’s encountered, including withdrawing from the Indian Wells tournament.

“The reality is that I didn’t feel ready to start playing a tournament at this level, with the little training background I had behind me at the level I needed,” Nadal explained.

“I didn’t want to start a tournament coming from where I came from, with no guarantee of being able to advance to at least the levels that I think I need to demand of myself to try and start a tournament.”

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