Rafael Nadal to play in Brisbane before 2019 Australian Open

Even with two majors left in the 2018 season, current World number one Rafael Nadal has revealed that he would start his 2019 season by participating in the Brisbane International. The tournament acts as a precursor to the first major of the year - the Australian Open. The Spaniard was scheduled to take place in the event in 2018 as well but pulled out before the tournament citing an injury niggle and was consequently replaced by Matthew Ebden. 

“I am really looking forward to starting another season in Brisbane. I’m so excited to be coming back in 2019. The field is always strong and the venue is amazing,” Nadal said, reported Reuters. 

After a quarter final exit at the Australian Open, the Spaniard missed a majority of the hard court season. However, he was back in action for the clay court season and ended up winning in Monte Carlo and Rome. He followed that up with his 11th Roland Garris title in Paris. He is currently preparing for Wimbledon - a tournament he last won in 2010.

The Brisbane International will start on December 30 2018.