Rafael Nadal has signed as much as compete on the Monte Carlo Masters subsequent month as he eyes a return from the hip flexor damage which blighted his Australian Open title defence.
The 22-times grand slam champion has not performed since his second-round defeat by Mackenzie McDonald at January’s Australian Open, throughout which he sustained his damage.
The 36-year-old Spaniard withdrew from the hardcourt occasions in Indian Wells and Miami this month however is ready to return to the ATP Tour on his favoured clay floor having stepped up coaching within the final week.
“Rafa was the first player to sign up,” Monte Carlo match director David Massey mentioned in an announcement.
“He wants to play in Monaco and is giving himself every chance to be able to participate in this tournament he loves so much, and which he has won 11 times in singles, including a record eight consecutive titles between 2005 and 2012.”
Nadal has beforehand used the April 9-16 Monte Carlo Masters as a key match to arrange for the French Open, which he has gained 14 occasions.(
Source: www.perthnow.com.au
