Tennis: Rafael Nadal says he is to return to Madrid Open next week

Rafael Nadal will be competing in the tournament for the 19th time. He last won the Madrid Open in 2017.

Rafael Nadal resumed training last week and expressed his desire to participate in the tournament despite a lack of preparation. On the social media platform Twitter, Rafael Nadal said, "Despite having a short practice and facing a challenging event, I can't wait to play at home, where we don't have many chances to do so. I'll try to do my best. See you in Madrid!

The 36 times ATP Masters 1000 champion has been on the sidelines since he sustained a rib stress fracture in the Indian Wells semi-final against Carlos Alcaraz Garfia. However, he fought through the injury to face Taylor Fritz during the Indian Wells finals, which he ended up losing. The defeat ended his perfect 20 matches winning streak, including winning the French Open title.

Rafael Nadal defeated Daniil Medvedev in a dramatic final in the Australian Open after the 2021 titleholder Serbian Novak Djokovic was deported from Australia due to his decision not to get vaccinated. The victory helped him break the tie with Roger Federer and Novak Djokovic to set a record of winning a Grand Slam title 21 times.

Rafael Nadal announced in March 2022 that he would be taking a four to six-week-long break to recover from the injury, making his return to the game right on schedule.

The Spanish star holds a 54-13 record at the Madrid Open. The event switched from hard court to clay court in 2009.

The official Twitter handle of Madrid Open, @MutuaMadridOpen, tweeted, "Rafa is coming! We're delighted to welcome back our five-time Mutua Madrid Open champion. Can't wait to see you in the Caja Mágica!"

The Mutua Madrid Open will be held at Caja Magica from May 1st to May 8th.