A day after Rafael Nadal posted a video on social media to announce his return to tennis, organisers of Brisbane International confirmed on Saturday that the Spaniard will indeed play in the Queensland state in the first week of the new season.
Nadal said in his video, "After one year outside of the (ATP) tour, I think it is the right moment to be back. I have been working hard and feeling much better the last couple of weeks, so I'm ready to announce that I will be back in Brisbane."
Speaking to reporters in Brisbane, tournament director Cam Pearson said, "We are thrilled that he has chosen Brisbane as a place to return to tennis and I'm sure being a fan favourite I'm sure it is exciting news for everyone."
The 37-year-old Nadal has not played on tour since last January, when he hurt his hip flexor during a loss in the second round of the Australian Open. He got a surgery done in June this year.