The U.S. Open defending champion Rafael Nadal confirmed on Tuesday that he will take part in the Madrid Open, which starts on September 14 and serves a major warm-up for the rescheduled French Open.

The Madrid tournament director Feliciano Lopez tweeted: "I have spoken to my friend Rafael Nadal who confirmed his participation in Madrid in September. As always, we await you with open arms in the Caja Magica!"

Nadal answered: "That's right Feli. See you in September in Madrid. Meanwhile, everything is going well!"

As the French Open has been rescheduled from May to September 27, Madrid will serve as a warm-up for the clay-court Grand Slam which the 34-year-old Spanish has crowned for a record of 12 times.

Nadal's decision to play the Madrid Open casts doubts about whether he intends to defend his title for the U.S. Open, due to run from August 31 to September 13, as the final of the hard-court event in New York ends only one day before the main draw at the Madrid Open starts.

New York Governor Andrew Cuomo gave a green light to the event last month and said it will be held without fans. However, a sharp resurgence of new coronavirus cases over the past few weeks in the country has led to fresh doubts about whether the U.S. Open will take place.

Leading players, including world number three Dominic Thiem, have said they expect a decision from U.S. Open organizers this week.

(With input from agencies)

(Cover image: Rafael Nadal of Spain returns the ball in his men's singles quarter-final match against Stan Wawrinka of Switzerland at the Mutua Madrid Open at La Caja Magica in Madrid, Spain, May 10, 2019. /VCG)