Rafael Nadal
Rafael Nadal

Rafael Nadal to open his 2018 ATP season at the Brisbane International


Rafael Nadal will open his 2018 ATP World Tour season by returning to the Brisbane International.

The Spaniard, who will return to the world number one spot for the first time since 2014 on Monday, has confirmed he will compete in Queensland at the start of next year.

Nadal lost in the last eight of this year's Brisbane tournament to Milos Raonic but went on to reach the final of the Australian Open a few weeks later.

He seems happy with his preparation for the opening Grand Slam of the season though and will repeat the trick in 2018.

“I’m very happy to be back," he said. "Last year (2017) for me was the first experience and was very successful.

"The atmosphere is great and there’s a lot of nice people supporting the event. I really enjoyed the experience.”

Since his defeat to Federer at the Australian Open, Nadal has gone on to win his 15th Grand Slam crown at the French Open.

Brisbane International tournament director Geoff Quinlan said: "It’s beyond exciting to be welcoming Rafa back to Brisbane for our tenth tournament. He’s one of the world’s most legendary and electric players, and was adored by fans in Brisbane earlier this year.

"Nadal is in career best form having just won his 10th French Open title, and I’m sure he’ll delight fans with his physical game at Pat Rafter Arena."

The Brisbane International takes place from December 31 to January 7.

Nadal has already said he will defend his title in the Mubadala World Tennis Championship, a three-day exhibition event in Abu Dhabi, in the week before.

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