Monte Carlo Masters organizers have announced that Spanish player Rafael Nadal has submitted his name to participate in the tournament held on clay courts next month, as he prepares to return to official competition after recovering from a thigh injury. Monte Carlo tournament director David Mase stated in a statement that "Nadal was the first player to submit his name for participation." He added that "the Spanish player wants to play in Monaco and is giving himself every opportunity to participate in a tournament he loves, where he has won the singles title 11 times, including eight consecutive titles, a record between 2005 and 2012."
The player, who has won 22 Grand Slam titles, has been absent since losing his Australian Open title after being defeated in the second round by Mackenzie McDonald in a match where he suffered the injury. Nadal withdrew from the Indian Wells and Miami tournaments this month but is preparing to return to professional tournaments on his favorite type of court after participating in training last week. Typically, the 36-year-old Nadal plays in Monte Carlo to kick off his preparations for the French Open, which he has won 14 times.
