Ace Spanish tennis player Rafael Nadal (right) will pair up with compatriot Marc Lopez for the doubles event at the Brisbane International 2017, scheduled to be held from January 2-8 in Brisbane.

Nadal and Lopez emerged as the surprise gold medalists at the Rio Olympics earlier this year. And, their presence in doubles – besides the singles – will certainly boost the doubles field here.

According to a report, this comes after Lopez’s usual partner, countryman Feliciano Lopez, committed to play the Hopman Cup, which also happens to take place during the same period.

Meanwhile, Nadal, who ended his season early due to an injury to left wrist, will  return at the Mubadala World Tennis Championships that is  scheduled to begin from December 29 in Abu Dhabi.