World number three Rafael Nadal returns to Action at the Citi Open

Rafa Nadal will return to action for the first time in more than a month at the Citi Open in Washington, organizers said on Thursday, as the Spaniard hopes to put behind him his defeat in the semifinals of the French Open by Novak Djokovic.

Nadal last played at Roland Garros, where he was knocked out by eventual champion Djokovic on June 11 in a four-set thriller — only his third loss on the Parisian clay where he has won a record 13 titles.

The 35-year-old later announced his withdrawal from Wimbledon and the Tokyo Olympics, saying he took the decision after consultations with his team in a bid to prolong his career.

“I am looking forward to playing again and Washington shall be the best start for the U.S. Summer Swing for me,” said Nadal.

Nadal will play at the July 31-Aug. 8 Washington tournament for the first time and will be joined by Canada’s Denis Shapovalov, Australian Alex de Minaur and others.