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Rafael Nadal is back, and it's all about his back going into next week's Rio Open

Associated Press
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Rafael Nadal, of Spain, listens to a question at a press conference ahead of the Rio Open ATP in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, Friday, Feb. 14, 2014. The Rio Open ATP tennis tournament starts Saturday. (AP Photo/Silvia Izquierdo) (The Associated Press)

Rafael Nadal, of Spain, speaks during a press conference at the Rio Open ATP in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, Friday, Feb. 14, 2014. The Rio Open ATP tennis tournament will start Saturday. (AP Photo/Silvia Izquierdo) (The Associated Press)

Rafael Nadal is back, and it's all about his back.

Top-ranked Nadal injured his back warming up for the final of the Australian Open almost three weeks ago, eventually losing against Stanislas Wawrinka — a match he was an overwhelming favorite to win.

Nadal has practiced little since then, getting treatment at home in Mallorca. His first test comes in next week's Rio Open, a new stop on the ATP Tour.

Nadal is cautious speaking about the back, saying: "we'll have to see how it goes. I hope I can tolerate it."