Nadal Returns to the Tour This Week

Written by: Staff on 4th February 2013

Rafael Nadal will not compete in 2012 Mubadala World Tennis Championship

Nadal Returns to the Tour This Week

epa03517830 File -- File photo showing Spanish Rafael Nadal during his match against Swiss Roger Federer at Mubadala World Tennis Championship in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, 31 December 2011. The tournament organizers announced on 25 December 2012 that 'Rafael Nadal has been forced to make a last-minute withdrawal from the 2012 event due to a stomach virus,' and 'was advised by doctors not to travel or compete due to the illness.' Nadal has not played since June 2012, when he was eliminated in Wimbledon's 2nd round by Czech Lukas Rosol. He was supposed to come back after a successful knee injury rehab. EPA/ALI HAIDER |

The last thing on his mind is a rise in the rankings as Rafael Nadal prepares to take this week’s injury return to tennis in Chile with the upmost caution. “After seven months out I’m not in a position to think about that,” said the 11-times Grand Slam winner of any possible return to No. 1. “I’ll try to play better week after week.”

Nadal is stepping onto clay after his knee injury pause which forced him to miss the last half of 2012 as well as the Australian Open. He will test his knee – which he admits that even after all this time is not at 100 per cent – in Chile, Brazil and then Mexico.

The 26-year-old now stands fifth on the ATP, trailing Novak Djokovic, Roger Federer, Andy Murray and compatriot David Ferrer. “The time of recuperation has been good and it’s good to come back on clay. I’m happy to be here and my idea is to enjoy the week and see what happens.

“I’m feeling good, but I need to have weeks of competition on the tour. I have to start slowly and with patience. I don’t worry now about running to be able to play the best I can. That can help me progress as far as possible.”

Nadal is playing in South America for the first time in eight years. with his No. 5 rankings his lowest in that period.

He begins in doubles with Juan Monaco at Vina del Mar, an ATP 250 event next week and then plays singles after a bye.

©Daily tennis news wire

Topics: Andy Murray, Atp, Australian Open, David Ferrer, Novak Djokovic, Rafael Nadal, Roger Federer, Sports, Tennis, Tennis News