Nadal to play in Hamburg

Rafael Nadal will make a surprise return to action in Hamburg next week.

Rafael Nadal: Back in action in Hamburg next week

Nadal's last match was in the second round of Wimbledon when he suffered a shock defeat to Dustin Brown.

It would appear the Spaniard is looking for match practice ahead of the summer hardcourt season, although the Hamburg event - the bet-at-home Open - is played on clay.

Nadal's last visit to the German city came seven years ago when the tournament was still part of the Masters series of tournaments on the ATP World Tour. He won the title that season.

Compatriot David Ferrer is currently due to be top seed at the tournament but he has been troubled by an elbow injury of late, one which forced him to miss Wimbledon.

After Hamburg, Nadal is due to play in Montreal and Cincinnati before the US Open which starts on August 31.

The 29-year-old is currently down at 10th in the world rankings but having not played this part of the season in 2014 he has no points to defend and thus has a good chance of climbing back up the ATP list.