Nadal spearheads Spain's Rio hopes

Madrid - Rafael Nadal and Garbine Muguruza will lead Spain's charge for Olympic tennis glory at Rio in August and could play together in the mixed doubles, officials said on Thursday.

Also in a strong Spanish team are David Ferrer, ranked 14th in the world, Albert Ramos and Roberto Bautista Agut, Spanish tennis authorities said. The women will be spearheaded by Muguruza, fresh from her French Open title.

No firm decision has yet been taken on a potentially potent Nadal-Muguruza partnership, said Conchita Martinez, captain of Spain's Fed Cup and Davis Cup teams.

Nadal, who won gold at the Beijing Games in 2008, has seen his fortunes plummet after a series of injuries.

The latest, a wrist problem, forced his early withdrawal from Roland Garros and he is also out of Wimbledon, which starts later this month.

Spanish tennis chiefs are confident he will be fit for Rio and Muguruza has talked enthusiastically of the prospect of teaming up with the man who has won 14 Grand Slam titles.