Rafael Nadal joins Andy Murray in ever-increasingly star-studded virtual Madrid Open tournament

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Rafael Nadal at Paris Masters press conference

Rafael Nadal is one of a dozen players now signed up to play in the virtual Madrid Open later this month, joining Andy Murray in the line-up.

The Madrid Open is one of more than 30 tournaments cancelled so far due to the coronavirus outbreak, and has decided to hold a virtual version instead.

Andy Murray and Benoit Paire were among those to commit early, and they have now been joined by more of tennis’ star names.

Rafael Nadal, David Goffin, John Isner, Karen Khachanov, Eugenie Bouchard, Kristina Mladenovic, and Kiki Bertens are also now set to take part in the competition from home.

“This initiative is interesting and it will bring back some competition in our sport,” Khachanov said.

“I’m looking forward to challenge my fellow players and show my skills to the tennis fans around the world.”

There is €150,000 up for grabs in both the men’s and women’s events, with the winner invited to decide how much of it to use to help lower-ranked players who have taken the financial brunt of the coronavirus crisis.

An addition €50,000 will be donated to charities fighting the pandemic.

The competition will use the Tennis World Tour PlayStation4 game and is expected to be broadcast live over social media and YouTube.

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