Nadal returns, available for Davis Cup

Barcelona:

Rafael Nadal has recovered from injury and made himself available for Spain's Davis Cup final against the Czech Republic in December.

Nadal underwent successful medical tests in Barcelona on Wednesday that showed the 23-year-old Spaniard was ready to return for the first time since his US Open semi-final.

Nadal hasn't been on court since that semifinal defeat to eventual champion Juan Martin del Potro, when an abdominal muscle injury hampered the Australian Open champion.

In comments emailed to The Associated Press, he also took the opportunity to express his support for Madrid's 2016 Olympics Games bid.

The International Olympic Committee decides Friday whether the Spanish capital, Rio de Janeiro, Chicago or Tokyo will host the Summer Games.

"I'd personally like to be in Copenhagen but I had to follow the tennis calendar which made it impossible," Nadal said. "I know how much work has gone into this bid and I know we deserve to win."

Nadal said he would resume his planned schedule starting with next week's China Open, before traveling to the Shanghai Masters, the Paris Masters and the ATP World Tour finals in London.

Defending Davis Cup champion Spain hosts the Czechs in the final from Dec. 4-6. Nadal missed last year's final win in Argentina and has featured in only one Cup encounter this year as tendonitis in his knees forced him to rest.