• ATP Tour

Nadal to make comeback in Chile

ESPN staff
January 17, 2013
Rafael Nadal will play three events on the Latin American clay court swing © PA Photos
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Rafael Nadal will make his long-awaited comeback a week after the conclusion of the Australian Open after he confirmed his participation at the Chile Open.

The 11-time grand slam champion, who hasn't played since June after struggling to recover from a knee injury, delayed his expected comeback in January following a stomach virus.

"I am delighted to confirm my participation in the tournament in Vina del Mar in Chile," Nadal wrote on his Facebook page. "I would like to thank the organisers of the tournament for their invitation.

"I have many fans there, at last I can be with them in person and play my first tournament after the injury that has kept me away for so long."

Nadal had already confirmed his participation at the Brazil Open and Mexican Open later that month, meaning he has now entered three of the four clay-court events in the Latin American swing.

Nadal won titles in Sao Paolo and Acapulco the last time he played the events back in 2005 but will be making his debut in Vina del Mar.

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