RIO DE JANEIRO, Dec. 17 (Xinhua) -- Former world No. 3 Dominic Thiem has confirmed his participation in the next edition of the Rio Open, tournament organizers said on Friday.
The ATP 500 clay-court tournament, which was canceled in 2021 because of COVID-19, will be played at the Jockey Club Brasileiro from February 12 to 20 in Rio de Janeiro's southern neighborhood of Gavea.
Thiem has not played since June because of a right wrist injury but says he is on track to return for the Australian Open in January.
"The Rio Open has been one of my favorite tournaments on the calendar for a few years now. I was champion a few years ago and I love the club and the atmosphere of the event," the 28-year-old Austrian told the tournament's official website.
"On my return from injury, I decided to play where I really feel good and at ease. I can't wait to play on the Jockey Club clay courts again."
Thiem, who is currently ranked 15th in the world, has won 17 career titles, including the 2020 US Open. He has been a regular presence at the Rio Open in the past five years and won the event in 2017.
Other players who have confirmed their place in the tournament's main draw, include Matteo Berrettini, Casper Ruud, Carlos Alcaraz, Juan Martin del Potro and Pablo Carreno. Enditem
