pic by Linda Miller

As I posted this last week when i first heard of it, Rafa confirms Japan Open & his Official Site confirms his calendar for the summer, There are some questions on the dates..Im assuming Rafa will not be going to the China Open since it starts on the same dates. ATP Source

On Rafa's website, his calendar until US Open:

21.06.2010 Wimbledon Wimbledon, Great Britain Grass 128
09.08.2010 Rogers Cup Toronto, Canada Hard 56
15.08.2010 W&SF Group Masters Cincinnati, U.S.A Hard 56
30.08.2010 US Open New York, U.S.A. Hard 128


Tennis No. 1 Nadal to make Japan debut
Official Japan Open Site


TOKYO — World number one Rafael Nadal will make his Japanese debut at the 1.23-million-dollar Japan Open tournament in October, organisers said on Wednesday.

"It is with great pleasure and excitement that I am coming for the first time to Japan," said the 24-year-old Spaniard, who won his fifth French Open title this month and is limbering up for Wimbledon.

"To me, this is a great opportunity to play in a tournament that I have never played before and that I have heard great things from other players. I know I have a huge fan base in Japan so that also makes me very happy."

Organizers said that defending champion Jo-Wilfried Tsonga of France, his compatriot Gael Monfils, American Andy Roddick and Lleyton Hewitt of Australia would also compete in the October 4-10 hardcourt tournament in Tokyo.

Local hope Kei Nishikori, one of only two Japanese men who have won an ATP title, will be back after missing last year's event due to an elbow injury.

"It's always special for me to play in Japan. I've heard that Nadal will take part in the tournament. I'm really looking forward to play against him," said Nishikori, 20.


source