Nadal hopes to return from injury at Monte Carlo

April 8 marks the start of the Monte Carlo Masters

It is expected that Rafael Nadal will return to action at the clay-court Monte Carlo Masters next month after suffering a hip injury.

Since the Australian Open, the 22-time Grand Slam champion has been sidelined with a left hip flexor injury.

David Massey is optimistic that Rafael Nadal will play in the Monte Carlo Masters on April 8.

“Rafa was the first player to register,” Massey said in a statement. “He is giving himself every chance to participate in the tournament he enjoys so much.”

From 2005 to 2012, Nadal won the tournament a record 11 times, including eight consecutive titles.

The 36-year-old Spaniard uses the event as part of his preparation for the French Open, which takes place May 28-June 11.

In spite of chronic pain in his left foot, Nadal has won 14 of his major titles at Roland Garros, including last year.

During the Australian Open, Nadal injured his hip flexor in the second round against Mackenzie McDonald of the United States.

The extent of the injury was revealed by an MRI the next day.