WATCH: Nadal trains in Valencia ahead of Davis Cup
Already on his beloved red clay, Rafael Nadal is practicing in Valencia ahead of Spain’s Davis Cup tie against Germany.
Nadal returned to world No. 1 on Monday and his appearance in Davis Cup action will mark his first event since a hip injury forced him to retire from the Australian Open quarterfinals. Since then he has withdrawn from events in Acapulco, Indian Wells and Miami.
Nadal hit the practice court in Valencia’s famous Plaza de Toros, the city’s bullring.
The 16-time Grand Slam champion was originally scheduled to return a few weeks from now in Monte Carlo, but Nadal’s ready to return early. He will participate in Davis Cup for the first time since 2016, when he played doubles, and 2015, his last singles appearance.
The 31-year-old last played a World Group main draw tie back in 2011 when he led Spain to the Davis Cup title, the fourth in his career.
The Davis Cup quarterfinals start on Friday.
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