"I am very excited to be coming back and playing Queen's again"
Tuesday 6 February 2018 23:07, UK
World No 1 Rafael Nadal says he is planning to play in the Wimbledon warm-up event at Queen's Club this year.
The Spaniard has sat out the event for the last two years, having been injured in 2016 before deciding to prioritise rest after his French Open victory last summer.
But the 2008 winner hopes to take part in this year's tournament, which gets underway on June 18.
Nadal said: "I am very excited to communicate that I am going to come to Queen's in 2018, it is going to be the 10th anniversary of my victory in 2008.
"It's a great memory, winning there and three weeks later winning Wimbledon. It was an unforgettable year.
"I am very excited to be coming back and playing Queen's again."
Nadal reached the Wimbledon final five times between 2006 and 2011, winning in 2008 and 2010, and his best efforts at the grass court major have invariably been preceded by a warm-up outing at Queen's.
Stephen Farrow, Queen's tournament director, said: "We are delighted that Rafa is planning to return in 2018.
"His run 10 years ago, when he won at Roland Garros, Queen's and Wimbledon, will never be forgotten.
"To see him back at the top of the world rankings a decade later is a testament to his greatness and desire to achieve even more."
Nadal was forced to retire from his Australian Open quarter-final against Marin Cilic because of a thigh injury but he said this week he could return to action at the Mexican Open in Acapulco at the end of the month.
Andy Murray, another dual Wimbledon winner, has a contract to play Queen's for the rest of his career and is hoping to use the tournament to mark the start of his return following hip surgery.
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