Rafael Nadal will be competing in the Argentina Open next week, as it was announced today he had accepted a wild card into the tournament where he will be the top seed. Nadal will be hoping to defend the title he won last year as he plays alongside the likes of David Ferrer, Jo-Wilfried Tsonga and Fabio Fognini.
Nadal eager to return to Buenos Aires
The Spaniard was gracious and clearly looking forward to his return to clay as he thanked the tournament organisers for giving him the chance to play. Nadal played a memorable tournament there last year where he became champion, defeating Juan Monaco in the finals and ending his title drought as it was his first title since the 2014 French Open.
“I want to thank the organisers of the Argentina Open for giving me this wild card to play in Buenos Aires. The times that I've played in Argentina have been special and full of good memories because the people are some of the best in the world.”
Nadal comes into this tournament after a bad first round loss at the Australian Open, where he fell to compatriot Fernando Verdasco in five tight sets and was visibly disheartened by the early exit.
"I asked for this wild card after the bad result in Melbourne and I hope that Buenos Aires will once again be the start of a good run for me. I will try my best to make sure it is.”
The title on Argentinian soil did not aid his attempts to put in a good season last year, as he recorded one of his worst years of his career. However, this year, he will be more confident as his level is far more stable and consistent than it was in 2015, where he only won three titles.
The Argentinian Davis Cup captain, Daniel Orsanic, spoke of his happiness that Nadal had agreed to play.
"To have Rafa defending his title is the best news we could receive with just five days to start (the tournament). We are very happy that he's back with us. It completes an incredible list. We will enjoy the best tournament in the history of Argentina."
Nadal is due to begin his title campaign in Buenos Aires next week, followed by an appearance at the ATP 500 event, the Rio Open in Brazil.