Nadal's knee still troublesome before comeback

MANACOR, Spain (AP) - One week before his expected return to tennis, Rafael Nadal says his left knee still hurts.

The 26-year-old Spaniard is scheduled to play next week in Chile before heading to tournaments in Brazil and Mexico.

Speaking Wednesday on the island of Mallorca, Nadal says that although his knee is better, "sometimes it still hurts ... but I have to start sooner or later.''

Nadal says playing at the three Latin American tournaments "will be very useful.'' He says he is "fine, enthusiastic,'' after not playing since losing to Lukas Rosol in the second round at Wimbledon.