"Motivated' Nadal trying to keep niggling wrist injury on back-burner

Spanish tennis ace Rafael Nadal has admitted that he is trying to forget the wrist injury which forced him to skip his US Open title defense after the former world number one returned to action for the first time since Wimbledon on Thursday.

The nine-time French Open champion beat Jo-Wilfried Tsonga of France 6-7 (2/7), 6-3, 6-4 in an exhibition match at Astana, his first ever match in Kazakhstan. He said that every time when he comes back after an injury he has an extra motivation.

Nadal said that he is set to work hard to gain his top form and to return to his level, adding that he is very happy to have an opportunity to play tennis, his favorite occupation, Sport24 reported.

The world number two Spaniard hadn't played since a fourth round loss to Australia's Nick Kyrgios at Wimbledon on July 1. He then skipped the US hardcourt season but will make his competitive return in Beijing next week.

Nadal said that he feels much better, as he is in good shape. He added that he is trying to forget the wrist and is trying to get back into a rhythm but that takes time.

Nadal also said he was setting no targets ahead of his comeback, adding that he would play in Beijing and Shanghai. He said that his goal is to play and practice as much as possible and be ready for the end of the season.