Nadal commits to Argentina Open in Buenos Aires

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Nadal commits to Argentina Open in Buenos Aires

More from Rafael Nadal

World number 3 Rafael Nadal has stated his intention to participate in the 2015 Argentina Open presentado por Buenos Aires Ciudad. The ATP World Tour 250 event begins on 21 February, just before the two hard court Masters events in Indian Wells and Miami. It will be the first time since 2005 that Nadal has played in Buenos Aires and he has never lifted the trophy before.

Fellow Spaniard David Ferrer has claimed the title on the last three occasions in Argentina and you would expect him to attempt to defend his crown. Local favourite Leonardo Mayer as another big name who has confirmed his appearance for the event. Tickets are already available for the event in South America, with the region hosting high profile tennis events that are starting to attract the world’s top players.

"“I’m very excited to return to Argentina in February to play the Argentina Open,” said Nadal to the ATP website. “I love playing in Latin American because it feels like home. After having to pull out at the last minute this season due to stomach problems, I’m very excited to go back in 2015. I hope I can play my best tennis there and see all the Argentine fans, who love our sport so much.”"

Change to Nadal’s Usual Calendar

Nadal’s decision to travel to South America for a 250 tournament may seem slightly unusual given that he will still have two hard court tournaments to play before the clay court swing in Europe. However, it is likely he is taking advantage of the extended break he will enjoy at the end of February, with no Davis Cup tie for Spain interrupting his schedule.

Many fans believe that playing on the South American clay courts will help Nadal return to his former level of performance and confidence and it would be hard to bet against him winning the titles in Argentina given his dominance on clay in recent years.

Chasing Number 1?

Playing in a 250 tournament may also hint that Nadal feels he is ready to mount a challenge for the World Number 1 spot in 2015. Whilst it is hard to read into the decision any further than it is a tournament he is interesting in playing at, he may already been looking at creating a schedule that gives him the maximum chance of retaking the World Number 1 spot from Novak Djokovic, who has played a more limited schedule in recent years.

Argentina Open

23rd Feb to 1st Mar 2015

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