File picture of Rafael Nadal, of Spain.| Photo Credit: AP

Rafael Nadal is aiming to make his comeback from a hip harm on the clay-court Monte Carlo Masters subsequent month, organisers stated on March 15.

The 22-time Grand Slam champion has been sidelined with a left hip flexor harm because the Australian Open, and pulled out of hard-court tournaments at Indian Wells and Miami.

The Monte Carlo Masters begins on April 8 and event director David Massey is optimistic Nadal will play.

“Rafa was the first (player) to be registered," Massey said in statement. “He really wants to play at the Monte Carlo Masters and is giving himself every chance to take part in the tournament he's so fond of.”

Nadal has gained the event a file 11 instances, together with an Open Era file streak of eight consecutive titles from 2005 to 2012.

The 36-year-old Spaniard makes use of the occasion as a key a part of his preparations for the French Open, which takes place May 28-June 11.

Nadal has gained 14 of his main titles on clay at Roland Garros, together with final 12 months whereas coping with power ache in his left foot.

In January, Nadal harm his hip flexor throughout a second-round loss to Mackenzie McDonald of the United States on the Australian Open.

An MRI examination the subsequent day revealed the extent of the harm.