Madrid: Rafael Nadal has asked to begin his participation in the Madrid Open a day later than planned due to an ear infection, meaning he will face Italian Fabio Fognini on Wednesday.

Nadal is seeking a third consecutive clay court title of the season after winning the Barcelona Open and Monte Carlo Masters but his preparation for the tournament in the Spanish capital has been interrupted by the infection.

Nadal's preparation for the Madrid Open has been interrupted by an ear infection. Credit:AP

"On Friday I woke up at three in the morning with pain, a discomfort I had never felt before," the 14-times grand slam winner told a news conference on Monday.

"I went to the doctor and he told me I had an ear infection. It's nothing important but it is bothering me. It has caused me headaches and I've been feeling dizzy.