Rafael Nadal will return to action in Hamburg on Sky Sports

Rafael Nadal will attempt to revive his fortunes in Hamburg this week, live on Sky Sports.

Live ATP Tennis

The Spaniard has announced he will take part in the clay court tournament - the bet-at-home Open – as he strives to find form and confidence following his early exit at Wimbledon.

Any hopes of an extended run at the All England Club were banished by Dustin Brown, who inflicted a shock second-round defeat on Nadal.

He took the title on his last appearance in the German city seven years ago and will be hoping for another morale boosting display ahead of the summer hard court season.

Nadal, who is due to play in Montreal and Cincinnati before the US Open, can improve on his 10th place in the rankings as he has no points to defend. He faces a tricky opening round clash against compatriot Fernando Verdasco in a battle of the left-handers.

Compatriot David Ferrer, another clay specialist, was forced to miss Wimbledon with an elbow injury, and has failed to recover in time for the tournament. He was beaten by Leonardo Mayer in last year's final and the Argentine will begin his campaign against Albert Montanes.

Flamboyant Italian Fabio Fognini should entertain fans as he opens up against Frenchman Jeremy Chardy.

German Philipp Kohlschreiber and Spain’s Tommy Robredo are also included in the draw for the tournament while British No 2 Aljaz Bedene also takes to the court against Daniel Gimeno-Traver.

Watch live action from the Hamburg Open at 10.30am on your home of tennis, Sky Sports 3 HD.