Paris: Rafael Nadal is preparing his return to tennis after a seven-month layoff at next week’s Italian Open.
Because of concerns amid the coronavirus pandemic, Nadal preferred not to travel to New York for the ongoing U.S. Open.
He last played in February, when he won a tournament in Acapulco, Mexico.
The Italian Open, which was postponed from its usual slot in May, will therefore be Nadal’s main preparation for the French Open later this month.
Top-ranked Novak Djokovic, who was disqualified from the U.S. Open, is also entered.
In all, 19 of the top 20 men's players are entered, with only No. 4 Roger Federer missing because of injury.