Tennis-Nadal targets Marseille return

World number two, Rafael Nadal said he plans to return to the ATP circuit at the Open 13 in Marseille that kicks off February 13th, as he has recuperated from his foot injury.

The 19-year-old Spaniard has been sidelined with an ankle injury he picked up during his final match at the Madrid Masters last October, which forced him to miss the Australian Open last month.

"I feel well and better and I only have one week and a half left before I return in Marseille. The tournament starts on the 13th and I hope to be there if nothing happens," Nadal was quoted as saying by the ATP official website.

The French Open champion took part in an exhibition match on Saturday at the Petits As junior event in Tarbes, France where he defeated French veteran, Fabrice Santoro.

Despite his victory, Nadal admitted his wariness towards his return but hopes he will regain his top form in time for the ATP Masters Series events in the United States.

"I haven't been playing tournaments for three months and a half. It will be difficult at the beginning and I'll have to pass some difficult moments in the first tournaments,” said Nadal.

“My goal is to arrive at the first two Masters Series events of the year in Indian Wells and Miami in good physical condition."