World No. 3 Rafael Nadal says he is fully fit and confident about his preparations as he begins his claycourt season at the Monte Carlo Masters with an eye on his pursuit of a 14th French Open crown.

The Spaniard has not played a competitive match since loss to Stefanos Tsitsipas in the Australian Open quarterfinals, having skipped a series of tournament due to a back injury he sustained in Melbourne.

Chasing a record-extending 12th title in Monte Carlo, Nadal has been given an first-round bye and will open his campaign in the second round against either Federico Delbonis or Adrian Mannarino.