Spanish tennis king Rafael Nadal, 38, is clear for the ATP tournament in Båstad this summer.
It's the biggest thing that has happened to Båstad. Even bigger than when Serena Williams was here as world number one in 2013, says the tournament's CEO Christer Hult.
The former world number one, who has won 22 Grand Slam titles and two Olympic golds, sees the tournament in Båstad as good preparation for the Olympics in Paris.
We have a good relationship with Nadal and his team for many years. I was down and met him already during the Australian Open in the winter. Normally, it's not possible to get him here when he goes far in Wimbledon. But now he won't be in Wimbledon and then we saw a chance, says Christer Hult to TT.
"Fine memories"
The last time Rafael Nadal played in Båstad was in 2005 when he defeated Czech Tomas Berdych in the final.
"I'm glad to be able to play in Båstad this summer where I won one of my first ATP titles. I have fine memories from there and really look forward to coming back and playing in front of the Swedish fans", says Nadal in a written comment.
Star-studded tournament
Christer Hult does not want to comment on what it costs to lure Nadal to Sweden, but states:
If there's a chance to get a guy like that, we must find an economic setup that works. Better marketing we can't get. When Nadal plays here, it gets attention all over the world.
It will be a star-studded edition of the traditional clay court tournament since it's already clear that Italian world number one Jannik Sinner will also play the tournament.
In addition, world number six Andrej Rubljov and number seven Casper Ruud are also clear for play.
Rafael Nadal has had major injury problems in recent years and the 38-year-old has fallen to 264th place in the world rankings.
He was knocked out in the first round of the French Championships this year against finalist Alexander Zverev, Germany.
Then Nadal didn't want to say it was his last start in the French Championships, but instead gave the greeting "see you at the Olympics" to the audience at Roland Garros.
The men's edition of the Nordea Open takes place from 15-21 July, while the women's tournament is decided the week before.
The Olympic tennis tournament begins on 27 July.
Age: 38 years
Born: Mallorca, Spain
Number of ATP titles: 92
Number of Grand Slam titles: 22, including 14 in the French Championships.
Number of weeks as world number one: 209
Current ranking: 264.
