Rafael Nadal will become the world No 1 next month. PUBLISHED: 15:55, 22:11, Mon, Oct 14, 2019 0

Rafael Nadal has provided a timely injury boost after he posted a video of himself training at his academy base.

The Spaniard won the US Open last month and then competed at the Laver Cup for Team Europe.

But he was unable to play on the final day after sustaining a left-hand injury, which required injections.

Last week, Nadal said at a press conference: “The year has been very good, despite a complicated start on a physical level. From Barcelona, I have been able to play all the tournaments I have wanted. Related articles Rafael Nadal won’t be pressured by Uncle Toni to play in Mallorca

“The US Open final was tough and the Laver Cup. I had and I have a small problem in my hand. I am recovering and I hope to fulfil the planned schedule and finish the year the way I would like after a season that has been good.”

And that confidence has been realised as he posted footage of himself hitting forehands and backhands from the baseline.

Nadal’s return is well-timed as he is set to reclaim the world No 1 ranking in November after Novak Djokovic's quarter-final defeat to Stefanos Tsitsipas at Shanghai Masters.

The 33-year-old will return to the summit of men’s tennis on November 4 and is in pole position to win the race for year-end No 1. Rafael Nadal is aiming to play at the Paris Masters (Image: INSTAGRAM/GETTY) Rafael Nadal has not played since the Laver Cup last month (Image: GETTY)

Meanwhile, Nadal’s uncle Toni has revealed he will not apply pressure on his nephew to play at the inaugural Mallorca Championships in 2020.

It was announced in September that the WTA Mallorca Open would become an ATP 250 event next year.

The tournament will be played just one week before Wimbledon, which begins on June 29.

Nadal has opted to not play competitive matches on the grass before Wimbledon in recent years but the possibility of playing at his uncle and former coach’s event could change his mind. Related articles