Rafael Nadal announced on Tuesday that he will be returning to the tour at the Mutua Madrid Open. With a message he posted on social media, the Spanish legend confirmed his excitement at a comeback to competition in the Caja Mágica, where he has produced so many unforgettable moments for the fans.

The return of the Mallorcan is great news for the fans. Nadal has not played competitively since the final of the ATP Masters 1000 in Indian Wells on March 20 against the American Taylor Fritz, a match where he was hampered by a rib fracture he picked up in the semi-finals of the BNP Paribas Open against Carlos Alcaraz.

“Despite the difficulties of having only just finished my preparations in time, I can’t wait to play, and to play at home”, Nadal admitted. “You don’t get many chances to do that, so I’ll try and do as well as possible. See you in Madrid!”.

Rafa enjoyed the best start to a season of his career, winning the first 20 matches he played in 2022. Nadal claimed a historic Australian Open win, giving him more Grand Slam titles than any other player in men’s singles history.

The Spaniard will arrive in Madrid as the player with the most titles this ATP Tour season, having picked up wins at the ATP 250 in Melbourne and the ATP 500 in Acapulco to go along with his Melbourne Park triumph.

Nadal is a fundamental part of the history of the Mutua Madrid Open. The Balearic Islander holds the record at the ATP Masters 1000 in Madrid with a total of five singles trophies (2005, 2010, 2013, 2014, 2017), including four on the clay of the Caja Mágica.

The main draw in the men’s Mutua Madrid Open kicks off on Sunday 1 May.