NADAL CONFIRMS HALLE SWITCH
Rafael Nadal has confirmed he will play in Halle - and not at Queen's Club in London - for the next three years.
The news had been expected ever since the Spaniard criticised UK tax laws back in October.
Nadal, the winner at Queen's Club in 2008, will now use the Gerry Weber Open in Germany as his warm-up event for Wimbledon.
He has signed a deal with tournament organisers to play in Halle until 2014.
Nadal, whose only previous appearance in Halle came back in 2005, said: "The Gerry Weber Open is a fantastic tournament. I'm very happy that I may finally play in Germany and in front of my German fans again.
"This part of the season is very, very important for me. Success in Halle would also mean a real shot in the arm for me for Wimbledon and the Olympic Games. But, of course, there is heavy competition."
Five-time winner Roger Federer is likely to among those also in Halle. The Swiss has used the tournament to prepare for Wimbledon throughout his career.
Nadal had previously hit out at UK tax regulations, saying: "The truth is, in the UK you have a big regime for tax, it's not about the money for playing.
"They [Her Majesty's Revenue and Customs] take from the sponsors, from Babolat, from Nike and from my watches. This is very difficult. I am playing in the UK and losing money. I did a lot more for the last four years, but it is more and more difficult to play in the UK."
Both tournament take place from June 11-17 in 2012. - http://www.sportinglife.com
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