Rafael Nadal will return to action during the ATP event in Melbourne ahead of the Australian Open.
The 20-times Grand Slam champion last played at the Citi Open in August and was forced out due to an injury.
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Earlier this month, he played the exhibition event in Abu Dhabi but ended up contracting the dreaded virus.
🤫 Don’t tell anyone…
… here I am 😉 pic.twitter.com/x1F2BJnH3y— Rafa Nadal (@RafaelNadal) December 31, 2021
The 35-year-old is the top seed at the ATP 250 event, Melbourne Summer Set, and will be aiming to add to his 88 tour-level titles when he takes to court.
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It is a much needed shot in the arm for the Australian Open as Roger Federer has confirmed that he will not be playing the major while Novak Djokovic is still in doubt.
Packed schedule
Meanwhile, The ATP Tour begins the season with a packed schedule in Australia to kick off 2022. The top stars will compete across three events, with the ATP Cup and two ATP 250 events in Week One.
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At the ATP Cup, 16 countries will face off for the title, with the four group winners advancing to the semi-finals.
Top 10 stars Daniil Medvedev, Alexander Zverev, Stefanos Tsitsipas, Matteo Berrettini, Casper Ruud and Hubert Hurkacz lead their countries in Sydney.
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Gael Monfils and Sebastian Korda feature at the Adelaide International 1.
