Nadal to make tennis return at Brisbane International

Former tennis world number one Rafa Nadal will return at the Brisbane International warm up event for the Australian Open in January, the Spaniard said on Friday.

The 22-time Grand Slam champion has not played a competitive match since bowing out in the second round of this year’s Australian Open when hampered by a hip flexor problem.

“After a year away from competition, it’s time to come back,” Nadal said in a video posted to social media.

“It will be in Brisbane, the first week of January. I’ll see you there.”

Nadal has previously expressed a desire to play one more French Open and represent Spain at the Paris Olympics next year before retiring at the end of his 23rd season on the tour.