Rafael Nadal of Spain reacts after winning the third set against Daniil Medvedev of Russia during the men's singles final at the Australian Open tennis championships in Melbourne, Australia, Jan 30, 2022. (PHOTO / AP)

MADRID - Spanish tennis legend Rafael Nadal announced on Friday that he would return to competition in the Australian city of Brisbane in the first week of January, ending almost a year on the sidelines.

"Hello everyone, after a year out of competition, the moment to return has arrived. It will be in Brisbane in the first week of January, we'll see each other there," said Nadal in a statement on social media.

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The 37-year-old former world No. 1 has not played in almost a year since losing to Mackenzie McDonald in the second round of this year's Australian Open due to a hip injury, which is important for the lower back and mobility.

Spain's Rafael Nadal returns to Lithuania's Ricardas Berankis in a second round men's singles match for the Wimbledon tennis championships in London, June 30, 2022. (PHOTO / AP)

He explained in May that he would need an operation (which took place on June 2) and would work to return, with 2024 probably being his last year as a professional.

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"I don't think I deserve to end my career like this," he commented, explaining he wanted to end a career in which he has won 22 Grand Slams on a high.