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

Published September 11, 2015

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."

https://www.foxnews.com/sports/rafael-nadal-is-back-and-its-all-about-his-back-going-into-next-weeks-rio-open