Looks Like Rafael Nadal Is Returning To South America Next February
Rafael Nadal has announced that he’ll play the inaugural Rio Open held in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil starting February 15, 2014.
After recovering from a knee injury which forced him out of the Australian Open, Nadal returned to South America this past February with good success, reaching the final in Vina del Mar followed by titles in Sao Paulo and Acapulco.
The trip bolstered Nadal’s confidence and launched what has become one of his finest seasons.
“I am looking forward to playing for the first time ever in Rio de Janeiro. I have heard so much about the city, and now I will finally have the opportunity to be there,” said Nadal. “All around the world, when I play, I can feel the love of the Brazilian people.”
David Ferrer will also join Nadal at the clay stop in Rio, the only combined ATP/WTA tournament on the continent. The event replaces the long-standing Memphis event which will still be held just as a smaller, 250 tournament using the San Jose sanction.
Before then, Nadal is still expected to be in Buenos Aires this November following the ATP Finals to face David Nalbandian in a special exhibition.
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