Rafael Nadal has revealed that he is hopeful of success at the Rio Open next week after recovering from a back injury.
The Spaniard was beaten by Stanislas Wawrinka in the Australian Open final last month and missed a tournament in Buenos Aires last week, but recently insisted that his back is okay.
The world number one admits that he will see how the injury holds up but is looking forward to playing in Brazil.
"We'll have to see how things go regarding my back," Nadal told reporters.
"I hope it will stand up well. I wasn't able to play in Buenos Aires and feel bad about that but luckily here I am in Rio, which is a new city for me.
"It's great to be in Brazil, a country where I have always had good experiences. I hope I shall be able to compete well."
Nadal also revealed that he is looking forward to visiting the Maracana stadium to watch a Brazilian football game.
