Madrid, April 14 (BNA): Australian Open champion Rafael Nadal said next week he will continue to build up his match fitness after a thigh injury sustained at the Australian Open in January.
According to Reuters, Nadal skipped tournaments at Indian Wells and Miami as well as the ongoing Monte Carlo Masters after suffering an injury that effectively ended his title defense at Melbourne Park as he was knocked out in the second round by Mackenzie McDonald.
“Barcelona is a special tournament for me, because it is the club of my choice and playing at home is always a unique feeling,” the 36-year-old Nadal said on Instagram.
“I am still not ready and therefore continue to prepare to return to competition.”
The Spaniard, the 14-time French Open champion, is hoping to be fully fit for the clay court Grand Slam from May.
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