Rafael Nadal to resume training next week, start 2019 season on time

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Rafael Nadal will resume training again next week, according to his uncle Toni, and plans to start as scheduled next season.

Nadal underwent ankle surgery three weeks ago to remove a floating object in the joint of his ankle, and has not played since injuring his knee in the semifinals of the US Open.

"Rafael took the decision to correct a problem he was having in training and the federation doctor recommended he do so," said Toni Nadal, speaking to a Spanish newspaper. "When I spoke to him his intention was to start training again around 4th or 5th December, and he will have more than a month to arrive in good conditions for the Australian Open."

Nadal has a busy schedule leading up to the next major. Though still sidelined from tennis, the Spaniard plans to appear in the Olazabal & Nadal charity golf event in three weeks. He is then scheduled to return to court at the Abu Dhabi exhibition, followed by the ATP event at Doha and an exhibition at Sydney during the first two weeks of the season.

According to Toni, the 32-year-old Nadal is eager to compete again, especially because he is still contending for the biggest titles.

"First is the personal challenge of still staying there, staying motivated and showing yourself you are again capable of winning," he said.

Nadal finished this season at No. 2 in the rankings.