Nadal Will Make His Return To Tennis With Two South American Stops

Rafael Nadal has been confirmed to make his return to the tennis courts at the Chile Open. The Spaniard has been out of the game since July with a knee injury. The last time Nadal played in South America was in '05 when he won the Brazil Open at the age of 18 (Chile Open). SPORT noted Nadal will be in São Paulo to play in the Brazil Open the week after the Chile Open. Both events are on clay, "the best surface for his articulation." Nadal confirmed his presence in Chile. He said, "I am happy to confirm my participation in the Viña del Mar tournament in Chile" (SPORT, 1/17).