Rafael Nadal will return to competitive play in the Madrid Open next week, a month after winning the French Open for the 13th time.

After a four-week layoff owing to a rib ailment, the 35-year-old returned to training last week.

Despite being “short of preparation,” he stated on social media that he intended to play in the Spanish capital.

Nadal sustained the injury in his loss to American Taylor Fritz in the Indian Wells final on March 22, predicting a four- to six-week layoff at the time.

That defeat put an end to his flawless 20-0 start to 2022, which includes the Australian Open victory.

After Novak Djokovic was banned from Australia due to his Covid vaccination status, Nadal defeated Daniil Medvedev in an exciting final in Melbourne.

He now has a men’s record of 21 Grand Slam titles, breaking a tie with Novak Djokovic and Roger Federer.

On May 22, the French Open will begin.

For the latest Sports News Follow BOL News on Google News. Read more on Latest Sports News on oldsite.bolnews.com