Rio Olympics: Rafael Nadal gets green light to play at mega event

Rafael Nadal has been given the green light by the International Tennis Federation (ITF) to compete at next month`s Rio Olympics despite not fulfilling the qualification criteria.

The 2008 Beijing gold medallist`s participation had been in doubt as injury had prevented him from appearing in the minimum number of Davis Cup ties required in a four-year Olympic cycle to qualify for the Games.

The Spaniard, who has been out of action since pulling out of the French Open following his second round match with a wrist injury, won his appeal to compete in the Aug. 5-21 Games and was named in the final list of participants issued by the ITF on Friday.

The 30-year-old, who missed the 2012 Games through injury, has been named as his country`s flag bearer in the opening ceremony and will be one of four Spaniards competing for the men`s singles gold medal.

He will also compete in the men`s doubles with Marc Lopez.

Nadal has not travelled with the Spain team to Romania for the Davis Cup Euro/Africa zone playoff as he continues his recovery from the wrist injury.