World No.1 Rafael Nadal has confirmed his intention to play at the Aegon Championships in London ahead of Wimbledon.
Nadal, who hasn’t played at The Queen’s Club since 2015, is set to be making his seventh appearance in the event. This year is the tenth anniversary of when Nadal last won at Queen’s, when he defeated Novak Djokovic in the 2008 final. The Spaniard has only ever won four ATP titles on the grass, including two Wimbledon trophies in 2008 and 2010.
“I am very excited to communicate that I am going to come to Queen’s in 2018.” Nadal said in a statement. “It is going to be the 10th anniversary of my victory in 2008, it’s a great memory, winning there and three weeks later winning Wimbledon. It was an unforgettable year. I am very excited to be coming back and playing Queen’s again.”
The 31-year-old was set to play in the tournament last year, but withdrew due to exhaustion. Nadal’s decision occurred shortly after he won a tenth French Open title. Becoming the first player in the Open Era to win the same major ten times.
“We are delighted that Rafa is planning to return to The Queen’s Club in 2018.” Said tournament director Stephen Farrow. “His run ten years ago, when he won at Roland Garros, Queen’s and Wimbledon, will never be forgotten. To see him back at the top of the world rankings a decade later is a testament to his greatness and desire to achieve even more.”
A video message from @RafaelNadal …
Access the priority window for @QueensTennis tickets – https://t.co/AZqRg5YkGF#Nadal #QueensTennis pic.twitter.com/1byZHNf3aF
— The Queen’s Club Championships (@QueensTennis) 6 February 2018
Another player hoping to join Nadal at Queen’s will be Andy Murray. The British No.1 hasn’t played a competitive match since Wimbledon due to a hip injury. Last month he underwent an operation on his right hip after continuing to feel pain following rehabilitation.
“I’m going to take my time to make sure that the rehab is done properly, and make sure that the surgery is as successful as it can be,” he told reporters in January.
Murray has signed a contract to play at the Aegon Championships for the rest of his career. He has won the tournament a record five times between 2009-2016, but suffered a shock first round loss in the tournament last year to Jordan Thompson.
Andy Murray has already committed to play the tournament for the rest of his career. He hopes to return from hip surgery in time to play @QueensTennis in June.
— cinch Championships (@QueensTennis) February 6, 2018
The Aegon championships will get underway on June 24th. It will be the 115th edition of the event.
