Nadal preparing for Doha return

This story has been translated from ATPtour.com/es.

Rafael Nadal continues to ramp up preparations for his return to competition on the ATP Tour. His comeback will begin at the Qatar ExxonMobil Open, which runs from 19-24 February in Doha.

The 22-time major champion, who reappeared in Brisbane following a year on the sidelines after an operation on his psoas and a recurring hip problem, was forced to miss the Australian Open due to a micro tear on a muscle. Nadal is now ready to rejoin his peers and start striving for his 'A-game' once more.

After flying back home from Melbourne and undergoing a medical exam, the 37-year-old began a recovery process that would allow him to make a quick return to the circuit. That comeback is now just around the corner.

Working at the Rafa Nadal Academy by Movistar with his team, Nadal has been progressing and putting the final touches on his game before returning to the court in Doha.

The Spaniard has played Qatar's ATP 250 event eight times, winning the title in 2013 (d. Monfils) and reaching the final on two further occasions (2010, 2016).

Nadal will be back in Doha for the first time in eight years (since 2016) with his mind set on continuing to get back to his best after enduring a difficult season in 2023.

Nadal is also signed up to play the BNP Paribas Open in Indian Wells, where he has participated 15 times and has lifted the trophy on three occasions (2007, 2019, 2013).