Paris: Rafael Nadal is preparing his return to tennis after a seven-month layoff at next week’s Italian Open.
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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.
