Nadal joins Aspall Classic line-up as he prepares for Wimbledon

Rafa Nadal will get his preparations for a third Wimbledon title tilt under way in London on Tuesday, after becoming a late entry for the Aspall Classic.

The world No1, who moved back to the top spot following Roger Federer’s defeat in the final of the Gerry Weber Open in Halle on Sunday, had been scheduled to play at Queen’s.

But following medical advice in the wake of his 11th French Open, the Spaniard opted to forego the Fever-Tree Championships.

Instead, he will play this year’s Australian Open semi-finalist Hyeon Chung on Tuesday at Hurlingham Club before facing Lucas Pouille, a previous Wimbledon quarter-finalist, on Friday.

“It’s always great to play in front of UK fans so I can’t wait to return,” said Nadal. “I’m working hard and this is the perfect way to warm up for Wimbledon.”

Also testing out his fitness is Andy Murray. The former world no1 was today set to play only his second match since Wimbledon last year, against Stan Wawrinka in the opening round of the Nature Valley International.

Following the Eastbourne event, Murray will make a decision over his participation at Wimbledon, where he bowed out at the quarter-final stage a year ago after struggling with the hip injury which eventually led to him having surgery in January.

The form and fitness of some of the leading lights of men’s tennis has hung in the balance in recent weeks.

Novak Djokovic appears to be edging back to better form but downplayed his own Wimbledon credentials after letting a match point slip in a 5-7, 7-6, 6-3 defeat by Marin Cilic in the final of the Fever-Tree Championships yesterday.

Djokovic, Wimbledon champion in 2011, 2014 and 2015, said: “I wouldn’t say I’m a contender for a trophy or anything like that. I have to keep my expectations very low, considering my results in the last 12 months.

“But I can definitely take a lot of positives out of this week. I’m really happy I’m able to play this way coming up to Wimbledon. I played the final and almost won it — it’s a great result.”