Nadal lines up February schedule

Originally published on: 06/12/13 00:00

The world No.1 is still finalising his schedule but announced his return to the Argentinean capital for the first time since 2005, when he lost in the quarterfinals 6-0 0-6 1-6 to 2004 French Open champion Gaston Gaudio.

“I am really happy to return to Buenos Aires,” Nadal said of the ATP 250 event. “I look forward to coming back to Argentina and share a great week of tennis with the Argentine fans.”

The 27-year-old, who won the French and US Open titles in 2013, also joins David Ferrer and Brazilian No.1 Thomaz Bellucci for the Rio Open 500, South America’s highest-ranked tournament and only event on the continent to represent both the ATP and WTA tours.

Nadal earned huge success on the South American clay last season. After reaching the Vina del Mar final on his return to action following an seven-month injury lay-off, the Spaniard claimed the Brazil title in Sao Paolo. He went on to beat David Ferrer 6-0 6-2 in the Acapulco final.

Nadal begins his 2014 season in Doha on 30 December before heading to Melbourne for the Australian Open, which starts on January 13.

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