Rafael Nadal set to return to action in Kazakhstan

By Geoff Nichols | Sep 23, 2014

May 31, 2014; Paris, France; Rafael Nadal (ESP) in action during his match against Leonardo Mayer (ARG, not pictured) on day seven at the 2014 French Open at Roland Garros. Mandatory Credit: Susan Mullane-USA TODAY Sports /

Nadal

Nadal /

It looks like Rafael Nadal is set to return to tennis this week after injury has ruled him out since his shock loss to Nick Kyrgios in Round 4 of Wimbledon. The Spaniard has missed the entire US Swing this season due to a wrist injury, but has maintained his number 2 ranking thanks to a strong start to the year. He looks set to play in an exhibition in Kazakhstan with Jo Wilfried Tsonga this Thursday in order to build up his preparations for playing matches again.

More from Tennis

Nadal will aim to play a full schedule for the remainder of the year, which means a return to competitive action at the Tokyo 500 tournament next week. All the big names in tennis will be there and it will provide a stern test for Nadal on return from an injury lay-off. However, Nadal is an incredible athlete and his base level of fitness will still allow him to compete.

If his return goes smoothly, he will finish the Asia Swing with the Shanghai Masters 1000 and then head to Europe. The Basel 500 tournament has him down on their entry list, although he may take the pressure off himself by sitting that one out. The Paris Masters 1000 is the last tour event of the year and then he will head to London. He has already qualified for the ATP World Tour Finals and will be looking to end the season on a high.

There is a major possibility of Nadal returning to a sleeveless shirt.

There also looks like a major possibility of Nadal returning to a sleeveless shirt in his partnership with Nike. It was a look that he made his own earlier in his career, before transitioning to more standard shirts. However, his US Open hit was meant to be sleeveless before he pulled out, so we will have to wait and see if that look returns. What do you think? Short sleeves or no sleeves for Nadal?

More from Fansided.com

Shenzhen Open – Draw and Predictions
Tennis Fail of the Week
NFL’s top 20 richest players of all-time
FanSided College Football top 25 Poll: Week 4
Top 10 overrated college football teams after Week 4