Rafael Nadal is looking to make his return from his hip injury at the Monte Carlo Masters next month, thereby giving himself some clay court action before the return of Roland Garros.
The tournament, which begins on April 8, will be Nadal’s first appearance since the Australian Open, which he pulled out of after picking up a left hip flexor injury. He also missed out on the Indian Wells and Miami Open Masters tournaments as a result of his injury.
“Rafa was the first [player] to be registered,” Monte Carlo Masters tournament director David Massey confirmed on Wednesday. “He really wants to play at the Monte Carlo Masters and is giving himself every chance to take part in the tournament he’s so fond of.”
At 36 years old, Rafael Nadal holds the record for most wins at the Monte Carlo Masters, winning the tournament a record 11 times. This includes an Open era record streak of eight consecutive titles from 2005 to 2012.
For Nadal, the Monte Carlo Masters is a key part of his preparation for the Roland Garros Grand Slam, where he has won 14 titles. Nadal has won a record 22-time Grand Slams throughout his career.
