Rafael Nadal confirms he will contest Australia Open with cheeky social media post

Rafael Nadal has revealed his intention to play in the 2022 Australian Open, alerting fans through a cheeky post on social media.

The Spaniard shared a photo of himself on Friday night standing on court at Melbourne Park to announce his arrival in Australia for the summer of tennis.

"Don't tell anyone ... here I am," he tweeted along with a emojis of a person holding their finger to their mouth and a winking face.

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Despite being named on the entry list for the Open, up until this point it had been a mystery whether the former world No.1 would contest his 21st grand slam title in Melbourne.

Diagnosed with COVID-19 less than two weeks ago, Nadal has not played competitive tennis since August.

The 35-year-old confirmed over social media he tested positive for COVID-19, after arriving back in Spain following an exhibition event in Abu Dhabi.

Finally spotted Down Under, it is hoped Nadal will partake in the ATP 250 event in Melbourne before setting his sights on the Norman Brookes Trophy.

Fellow men's heavyweight Novak Djokovic remains in doubt over his undisclosed vaccine status.

The Australian Open kicks off on January 17.