Nadal and Djokovic to test their injuries

MELBOURNE - Agence France-Presse

Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic will use the Kooyong Classic starting Jan. 9 as a convenient emergency stop to gain much-needed match practice as the pair return from injury in time for the Australian Open.

Not since the glory days of Andre Agassi and Pete Sampras nearly two decades ago and more recently Roger Federer, has the long-time exhibition event hosted as distinguished a field.

The upcoming edition will feature five of the world’s top 10, including ATP Finals runner-up and two-time Kooyong champion David Goffin, Austrian Dominic Thiem, Croat Marin Cilic and Spain’s Pablo Carreno Busta.

Under the ad-hoc rules, late additions Nadal and Djokovic will be playing practice matches.

World number one Nadal, who missed the warm-up Brisbane International last week with a knee injury, is set for just one appearance on Jan. 9 when he faces France’s Richard Gasquet.

Djokovic, who hasn’t played competitively since a right elbow problem forced him to quit Wimbledon in the quarterfinals in July, is due on court on Jan. 10 to play Thiem.