Nadal gets back in training for August return

Nadal was unable to defend his Wimbledon title due to injury (DAVID ASHDOWN)

Rafael Nadal has confirmed he is on course to return to action at the ATP World Tour Masters 1000 event in Montreal next month.

The world No 2 has not played since losing in the fourth round of the French Open in May because of knee problems.

Nadal, who has been troubled by tendinitis for some time, was unable to defend his Wimbledon title. But the 23-year-old underwent medical tests in Barcelona yesterday and was cleared to resume practice this coming Monday. Nadal said: " I am really looking forward to doing what I most like: playing tennis. The event in Montreal is important and I expect to be there, fit to play."

Nadal will train at his home in Majorca with a view to being in peak shape for the tournament, which begins on 10 August and where he is the defending champion.