Rafael Nadal's camp confirms February return

Rafael Nadal's publicist has confirmed that the Spaniard will make a competitive return to tennis at the Brasil Open in Sao Paulo next month.

The seven-time French Open champion has been out for more than eight months with tendinitis in his left knee and had attempts at an Australian Open comeback this week thwarted by a stomach virus.

Nadal's publicist Benito Perez-Barbadillo sent an email to AFP Madrid earlier today to confirm reports that he has accepted an invitation to play in the South American event.

He said: "Yes, Rafa will play in the Sao Paulo tournament in Brazil."

The 26-year-old begins his season at the event in just over three weeks' time, with the opening round scheduled to start on Monday, February 11.