Nadal limbers up for Rio defense -- and carnival

Nadal limbers up for Rio defense -- and carnival

RIO DE JANEIRO - Rafael Nadal flew into Brazil to defend his title at the Rio Open -- but also to experience first-hand "the incredible energy" of the city's world-famous carnival.

Rafael Nadal during his Australian Open match against Tomas Berdych in Melbourne on January 27, 2015

"I really want to learn about the carnival in Rio. It has an incredible energy, carnival here is like a religion," the world number three from Spain told reporters shortly after his arrival.

"I was always fascinated by the carnival and was eager to see it live. It will be a show," said Nadal, who will join a parade on Sunday with compatriot David Ferrer and Brazilian Gustavo Kuerten.

The Rio Open begins on Monday.

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