Rafael Nadal to defend Argentina Open title

Rafael Nadal has been granted a wildcard to defend his Argentina Open title this week.

The 29-year-old had not intended to compete at the event, but his first-round exit at the recent Australian Open forced him to reconsider his plans.

As a result, he will now get his campaign in Buenos Aires underway either tomorrow or Thursday.

"I asked for this wildcard after the bad result in Melbourne and I hope that Buenos Aires will once again be the start of a good run for me. I will try my best to make sure it is," said the 14-time Grand Slam winner.

David Ferrer, Jo-Wilfried Tsonga and John Isner will also feature at the clay court tournament, which Nadal won 12 months ago by defeating Juan Monaco in straight sets.