Rio de Janeiro (Brazil), Feb 15 : Spanish tennis star Rafael Nadal, who injured his back while warming up for the Australian Open final almost three weeks ago, and eventually lost to Swede Stanislas Wawrinka, is likely to take part in next week's Rio Open.

Nadal, who has won 13 Grand Slams, is one behind Pete Sampras, and closing in on Roger Federer's record of 17, knows that time as sportsman is running out, and that he needs to make the most of it because of his particular style of play.

According to the Dwan, the Spaniard said he is still motivated, positive about the 2014 tennis season.

He also hopes to take part in the 2016 Rio Olympics, and described winning gold in the 2008 Beijing Olympics as one of the best experiences of his career. (ANI)