FILE - In this June 26, 2012 file photo, Rafael Nadal of Spain returns a shot to Thomaz Bellucci of Brazil during a first round men's singles match at the All England Lawn Tennis Championships at Wimbledon, England. One week ahead of his expected return to tennis, Rafael Nadal says his left knee is still causing him pain. The 26-year-old Spaniard is scheduled to play next week in Chile before heading to tournaments in Brazil and Mexico. Speaking Wednesday, Jan. 30, 2013, on the island of Mallorca, Nadal says that although his knee is looking better, "sometimes it still hurts ... but I have to start sooner or later." (AP Photo/Anja Niedringhaus, File) (The Associated Press)
SANTIAGO, Chile – Rafael Nadal says it's time to test his injured left knee after sitting out for seven months — the longest break of his career.
The 26-year-old Nadal arrived in the Chilean capital of Santiago on Friday and headed to the nearby coastal resort city of Vina del Mar. He's scheduled to play next week in his first event since losing in the second round of Wimbledon in June.
Nadal says the knee still bothers him and he may have to reduce his tournament appearances.
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