Rafael Nadal returns to competition after a six-month break chasing a 10th Italian Open title in Rome against his greatest rival Novak Djokovic before his bid for a 13th Roland Garros crown later this month.

The Spaniard has won on the red clay of the Foro Italico, normally played in May but which starts behind closed doors in Rome today, a record nine times, including the last two editions. World No. 1 Djokovic, a four-time Rome winner and five-time runner-up, lost to Nadal last year in the final. Djokovic, 33, is the top seed ahead of World No. 2 Nadal, in the tune-up for the final Grand Slam of the season at the French Open which begins on September 27.