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Rafael Nadal is set to return to the Next Gen ATP Finals in Jeddah for the second year running. The 22-time Major champion is an ambassador for the Saudi Tennis Federation (STF) and attended the tournament last season, when it was won by teenage sensation Joao Fonseca. The Next Gen ATP Finals features eight of the best players aged 20 and under competing to be crowned champion, with past winners including Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner.

Last year, Nadal was spotted in the stands for some matches and sat down for an interview with Fonseca, Jakub Mensik and Alex Michelsen. This time around, the former world No. 1 will be holding a meet-and-greet. News of Nadal's trip to the Next Gen ATP Finals comes as Roger Federer has confirmed his return to the Australian Open.

Ahead of his appearance in Jeddah, Nadal said: "Coming back to Jeddah for the Next Gen ATP Finals is something I am looking forward to. I've been given the warmest of welcomes in Saudi Arabia and I feel there is a real energy for tennis.

"As I have been saying, it's my goal to help inspire the next generation, in Saudi Arabia and around the world. Working together with the STF to develop the huge potential of tennis in the Kingdom that has already made impressive progress is one key element.

"The reason for me to come back is to see the development at all levels and to help towards that goal. I'm very proud to help more kids pick up a racket, compete, or simply discover something new that they love."

This year's Next Gen ATP Finals features Learner Tien, Alexander Blockx, Dino Prizmic, Martin Landaluce, Nicolai Budkov Kjaer, Nishesh Basavareddy, Rafael Jodar and Justin Engel.

Defending champion Fonseca and Miami Open winner Mensik decided not to compete this year. Both men have become top-25 players and lifted titles on tour this year.

Nadal isn't the only one set to make an appearance at a tournament in the coming weeks, as his greatest rival, Federer, will return to the Australian Open following a six-year absence. The Swiss star's last outing in Melbourne Park came in 2020, when he lost to Novak Djokovic in the semi-finals.

Federer retired from professional tennis at the 2022 Laver Cup and will now head Down Under for the inaugural Australian Open Opening Ceremony, taking place on Saturday, January 17. The 44-year-old will contest a match with Andre Agassi, Pat Rafter, and Lleyton Hewitt.

Ahead of his return, Federer said: "Coming back to win the AO in 2017 is one of my most treasured Grand Slam memories and backing it up to win in 2018 was another dream come true in Melbourne. I can't wait to come down under again to the AO and create more fantastic moments with all the Aussie fans."