Rafael Nadal could return to the clay courts of Madrid this spring as the tournament director extended a special invitation to the five-time former champion. The Spaniard retired from professional tennis in November and has made limited public appearances since.

The 22-time Major winner already looks set to return to the French Open for a special ceremony later this year. And he has been offered the chance to stop at the Masters 1000 in Madrid on the way, as tournament boss and former player Feliciano Lopez said Nadal could turn up unannounced.

Since Nadal’s retirement at the Davis Cup Finals, he has made just one tennis-related appearance, attending the Next Gen ATP Finals in December as part of his role as a Saudi tennis ambassador.

However, the man dubbed the ‘King of Clay’ is set to return to Stade Roland Garros - the most successful tournament of his career - for a ceremony. And Lopez has now hinted that Nadal could also head to the Madrid Open, one of his home tournaments.

A former world No. 12, the retired Spanish tennis star has a good relationship with Nadal. The pair spent years representing their country at the Davis Cup together.

Lopez now heads up the Masters 1000 in Madrid, staged at the Caja Magica, and he says the tournament is “home” for Nadal.

Asked whether the former world No. 1 could return to the Madrid Open, Lopez told Marca: “I hope so. This is his home and he knows it.

“We have had some great moments here with him, from the Madrid Arena, and he has always had a great connection and chemistry with the people of Madrid.”

The Madrid Open director even told Nadal he could attend without any warning. “Rafa is always invited to his house, he doesn't even have to let us know,” he added.

Nadal enjoyed a magical run during his last-ever Madrid Open appearance last year. He upset No. 10 seed Alex de Minaur en route to the round of 16 and was honoured with a touching ceremony when he eventually lost to Jiri Lehecka.

“It has been a very special and positive week in many ways. I have had the opportunity to play again in this game that has given me so much on a sporting and emotional level,” Nadal told the Manolo Santana Stadium crowd during the presentation.

“The first time I came to Madrid was 2003, the first time I came competitively was 2005 and it was one of the most exciting victories I have had in my career.

“From then until today there has only been unconditional support and affection in Madrid from everyone, I can only say thank you.”

Nadal also joked that he would “be back next year”. And he could well return to the Caja Magica in April if he takes Lopez up on his offer.