Tennis:Rafael Nadal has confirmed he is on course to return to action at the Masters 1000 event in Montreal next month. The world number two has not played since losing in the fourth round of the French Open in May because of knee problems.
Nadal, who has been troubled by tendinitis for some time, was unable to defend his titles at Queen's Club and Wimbledon.
But the 23-year-old underwent medical tests in Barcelona on Tuesday and was cleared to resume practice on Monday.
Nadal told his official website: "I am happy with the way the tests went and of the positive evolution of the injury as the doctors are saying.
"I am really looking forward to practice again and to do again what I most like - to play tennis. The event in Montreal is important and I expect to be there fit to play.
"Until then I need to continue to work on my recovery and practise well."
Nadal will train at his home in Manacor, Mallorca, in a bid to be in peak shape for the Montreal tournament, which begins on August 10th and where he is the defending champion.
Nadal's doctor Angel Ruiz-Cotorro said: "The evolution of his injury is positive and the player will continue with his physiotherapy and muscular work and will resume his tennis activity in a progressive way starting next Monday, July 20, estimating his return to competition at the Montreal event."
If Nadal returns in Montreal, he will have three weeks to prepare for the US Open, which starts on August 31st.
The US Open is the only Grand Slam currently missing from Nadal's CV.