Nadal given new comeback schedule after slamming Monte Carlo claims

Rafael Nadal has been given a new comeback date after rubbishing claims that he had confirmed his participation in Monte Carlo. The world No 13 is continuing to try and mount a return from a leg injury but is yet to determine when he will be able to be back on the tour. But Barcelona Open tournament director David Ferrer believes Nadal will “surely” play the ATP 500 event.

Nadal is still sidelined by a leg injury he picked up during his Australian Open second-round defeat. The 36-year-old has been upping his training regime in recent weeks with a view of trying to return to competition for the clay swing.

The Spaniard still doesn’t know exactly when and where he will mount his comeback after shutting down reports that he had committed to playing the Monte Carlo Masters from 9 April. And one of his compatriots has now weighed in, believing Nadal will be ready to play in Barcelona the week after.

“Nadal is training quite well with intensity,” Ferrer told reporters at the Royal Spanish Tennis Federation in Barcelona. “We still don’t know if he will be in Monte Carlo but he will surely be in Barcelona and will arrive well for the tour on the clay.”

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The retired former world No 3 also thought that Nadal was trying to write his name in the history books – with a record 23rd men’s singles Grand Slam title up for grabs at the French Open. He continued: “Nadal seeks to be the best in history, and he will determine that he arrives with rhythm and matches.

“I have a lot of faith in him. That he physically has not had wear and tear is good.” Ferrer’s comments come after Nadal said he had upped his workload but was yet to commit to a return date.

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“I don’t know who gets this information, but obviously if it were true I would confirm it, but unfortunately I can’t confirm it,” the 36-year-old said at an event for his foundation in Palma. “I’m following my course and I don’t know when I’ll play again, that’s the truth. I’m in a phase of increasing work. If I knew when I was going to return, I would say so, but I don’t know.”

Nadal was responding after the Monte Carlo Masters tweeted to announce Nadal’s participation after their ticket list originally contained an asterisk by his name, saying: “We’re eager to welcome the legend @RafaelNadal.” But the 11-time champion at the event is yet to confirm his participation.

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