Nadal confirms for the event

Dubai: Tournament Director Salah Tahlak laid to rest a rumour that Spanish sensation Rafael Nadal may not be playing in the Dubai Duty Free Men's Open next week.

"We have been in touch with Nadal and he has assured us that he wants to make a comeback on the tour at the Dubai Duty Free Men's Open," Tahlak assured.

Nadal skipped the Australian Open last month citing injury, and the 20-year-old promised to get back into rhythm by defending his Dubai Duty Free Men's Open title at the Dubai Tennis Stadium starting on February 26.

The women's competition has been hit, following the last-minute withdrawal of the second and third seeds Maria Sharapova and Serena Williams.

"The loss of two great players in this tournament will not rob us of any excitement. It will rather give other lesser known players a chance to come on to the main stage," Tahlak hoped.

"Nadal will come to Dubai and that is an assurance he has given us," Tahlak said.

Meanwhile, Frenchwoman and today's Antwerp Open finalist Amelie Mauresmo, Tunisian Selmia Sfar and Romaina Monica Niculescu were confirmed as the three wild cards in the main draw of the competition by Tahlak.