Rafael Nadal "very happy" to be back

Former world number one Rafael Nadal has expressed his happiness following his return to the tennis court from injury.

The Spaniard played alongside Juan Monaco in a doubles match in Chile yesterday evening in what was his first competitive encounter since Wimbledon in June of last year.

Speaking after the 6-3 6-2 win over Frantisek Cermak and Lukas Dlouhy, 26-year-old Nadal admitted that it felt good to be back competing.

"It was a great feeling to play again and I'm very happy for doing it with a friend like Monaco in a great atmosphere that we had on the court," said Nadal. "In doubles the effort is always less [taxing].

"We will see how it goes in singles and how my physical condition is. I chose this tournament because it is the perfect time and surface."

Nadal will make his return to singles action tonight against Argentine Federico Delbonis.