Rafael Nadal of Spain smiles during a news conference ahead of the Rio Open 2014 tennis tournament in Rio de Janeiro February 14, 2014. The Rio Open tournament will be held between February 15 and 23. REUTERS/Sergio Moraes
9. Rafael Nadal$44.5 Million REUTERS

The sporting world of tennis has not been the same because of Rafael Nadal's absence. Rafa's uncle and coach, Toni Nadal, has assured fans of the former World No. 1 that their Spanish icon will be back on court soon.

In an interview with a local Spanish television show, Toni has shed some light about the current condition of Rafa's injury and when tennis fans will get to see him play on the court again. According to Toni, Rafa's wrist isn't 100 percent healed, but the Spaniard will take part in the exhibition match against Jo-Wilfried Tsonga in Kazakhstan.

Read more: Rafael Nadal To Play In An Exhibition Match In Kazakhstan

Toni also confirmed Rafa will compete in Beijing and Shanghai after the exhibition match. "We will also be full time for the European indoor season, as we will play at Basel, Paris Bercy and the year ending championships in London," Toni said.

Rafa has not played his Round 16 exit at the 2014 Wimbledon Championships. He was forced to pull out of the 2014 U.S. Open because of an injured wrist, leaving not only his fans but also the fans of the sport wretched and unhappy because he was unable to defend the U.S. Open title that he won in 2013.

Rafa has devoted his non-appearance in tournaments by training and recuperating from his injury. Even though fans don't get to see him compete, he keeps them updated by sharing snaps of her practice sessions on social media.

Rafa has won four titles in the current tennis season. He began his season in Doha where he defeated French Gael Monfils to win his first Qatar Open title. Rafa's next title was won at the 2014 Rio Open back in February. He was the tournament's top seed and defeated Alexandr Dolgopolov in the finale, extending his record of Association of Tennis Professionals, or ATP, titles to 15.

Rafa won his third title in May at the 2014 Madrid Open after his opponent Japan's Kei Nishikori retired in the third set. At the Roland Garros tournament, Rafa clinched his ninth French Open trophy when he beat his rival Novak Djokovic. It was Rafa's fifth consecutive victory since 2010. He first won the French Open in 2005.

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