Rafael Nadal has said that he needs to give himself time to get back to his best as he prepares to play on the ATP Tour for the first time in eight months.
The Spaniard, who has been recovering from a knee injury, will play in the VTR Open in Chile, having not featured in competitive action since losing to Lukas Rosol in the second round of last year's Wimbledon.
The 11-time Grand Slam champion told the ATP Tour website: "This is my first week and I don't think the goals are the same that the ones I will have in two more months.
"I have to take it slowly and be humble to know that things won't be as good as they were before my injury. I need to be patient.
"I hope the tournament will help me to get the feeling I need to add week after week after a long period without competition. Results are the least important thing right now."
Nadal will play a doubles match on Tuesday before moving on to the singles tournament on Wednesday.
Sian Cowper
