Nadal returns at Indian Wells

World No 2 Rafael Nadal has taken time off to prepare before returning for the Masters Series tournament in Indian Wells (Reuters)

Novak Djokovic, Roger Federer and Andy Murray have all been back in action since the Australian Open, but this weekend will mark Rafael Nadal's first appearance since his defeat in the Melbourne final six weeks ago.

The world No 2 has taken time off to prepare for what he says is "the most important part of the season for me, from here until Wimbledon" and makes his return in the Masters Series tournament in Indian Wells.

Murray faces Guillermo Garcia-Lopez in his opener and is seeded to meet Viktor Troicki, Gilles Simon, Mardy Fish and Djokovic. Federer and Nadal are top seeds in the other half of the draw.