Rafael Nadal has announced he will make his eagerly-awaited tennis comeback at the Brisbane International in January after almost a year's absence. The Spanish great announced the news on Friday on social media that he'll make his return at the Australian Open warm-up event. The 37-year-old has not played a competitive match since bowing out in the second round of this year's Australian Open when hampered by a hip flexor problem. "Hello everyone. After a year away from competition it's time to come back," Nadal said in a video message on X. "I will be in Brisbane the first week of January. I'll see you there." The appearance could be the start of what will effectively be a grand farewell tour for the 22-time grand slam singles winner. He says he plans to play the French Open and represent Spain at the Paris Olympics next year before retiring at the end of his 23rd season on tour. Australian Associated Press