According to Craig Tiley, the director of the Australian Open, tennis legend Rafael Nadal will compete in next year's tournament.

The 22-time grand slam champion has not competed since losing to Mackenzie McDonald in the tournament's 2023 edition in January.

The Spaniard's hip injury, which he sustained in the second set, had a significant impact on the match and required him to leave the court for a medical timeout, which contributed to his loss in straight sets.

Initially anticipated to make a comeback later in the year, Nadal stated on social media that he would skip Roland Garros and the Madrid and Rome Masters. Nadal has won the French Open a record 14 times.

In May, he said at a press conference that he would be away from the ATP Tour for a “few months”. He had hip surgery in June and was ruled out for the rest of the 2023 calendar.

However, the 37-year-old will make his return in Melbourne next year, according to Tiley.

“We can reveal exclusively here that Rafa will be back,” said Tiley on Australia’s ‘The Today Show’.