World No.3 Rafael Nadal is all set to return to professional circuit in January. The former top-ranked Spaniard divulged that he will be participating at the Mubadala World Tennis Championship in January, which is scheduled to be held from January 1-3.

“I will play in Abu Dhabi in January, and after that I will play my first official tournament in Doha,” ESPN quoted a statement from Nadal, who had pulled out of the year-ending ATP World Tour Finals in London due to appendicitis surgery.

“It’s unfortunate that I had to miss the end of this season, but the time off will allow me to become even more focused on what I want to accomplish in 2015,” Nadal was quoted as saying by The National.

“I have missed a couple of opportunities to play big, competitive matches now so playing in Abu Dhabi in January for me is really important,” added Nadal, who also has a bad back.

The 2014 season was full of ups and downs for the Spaniard. Although no one could take away the French Open crown from Nadal, he failed to make a mark in most of the tournaments thereafter, winding up the season with a win-loss ratio of 49-11.

(Image: rafaelnadalfans.com)