Rafael Nadal has cast more doubt on the prospect of him defending his US Open title by confirming he plans to play in the Madrid Open – which starts a day after the Grand Slam concludes.
The 34-year-old Spaniard won his 19th major title in New York last year.
The tournament will be played from 31 August to 13 September this year as part of a revised ATP calendar.
“Rafa has confirmed his participation in Madrid,” said tournament director Feliciano Lopez.
Nadal responded to the Twitter post from his long-time Davis Cup team-mate by replying: “See you in Madrid in September.”
