Rafael Nadal will return to tennis in Australia next month. 

The 22-time Grand Slam champion has not played since the start of 2023 after suffering a hip injury at the Australian Open.

Nadal, 37, confirmed his comeback at the Brisbane International on social media ahead of what will be his final year on the ATP Tour.

In a video posted on X, he said: "After a year away from competition, it's time to come back. 

"It will be in Brisbane, the first week of January. I'll see you there."

Nadal's return raises the prospect of a final showdown with long-time rival and fellow great Novak Djokovic.

On the prospect of a meeting, the Serb told Marca recently: “I think a lot of people would like it to be at Roland Garros. Why not? 

"Although if you give me a choice I would say anywhere else. Roland Garros wouldn’t be bad, but Nadal is the player who has won there the most times in the history of the tournament.

"I think anywhere would be amazing for us and for the tennis world. It would be kind of like a last dance.

"I don’t know how many more times we’ll have the chance to play each other or if we're going to play each other. I hope we do because that's what everybody wants and I do too."

The pair have met in nine major finals, with Nadal leading 5-4 in terms of victories. Djokovic leads 15-13 across finals of all levels.