Ramping up preparations for his Australian Open title defence, a refreshed and motivated Rafael Nadal hopes his month-long sojourn down under won't be his last.
The Spanish superstar has arrived in Sydney, where he takes on world no.14 Cameron Norrie first up in the inaugural United Cup on Saturday.
The mixed teams' event will serve as crucial match practice after an injury-plagued back half of 2022 left Nadal below his peak fitness level and cast doubt over his long-term playing future.
All eyes will be on the 36-year-old next month when he attempts to defend the Open crown he won last summer in the absence of great rival Novak Djokovic.
Whether it will be Nadal's final appearance at Melbourne Park remains to be seen.
"Hopefully not. I mean, when you are at the age of 36, you never know when going to be the last one," Nadal told reporters on Wednesday.
"It's obvious, but don't like to talk about that because I am not in that mood now.
"Just focus on and try to play at the highest level possible and give myself the possibility to keep being competitive, to fight for anything.
"That's my goal now."
Nine-time Open champion Djokovic presents as one of Nadal's foremost challengers at Melbourne Park, a year after the Serb was deported over his refusal to be vaccinated against COVID-19.
Australia has since lifted strict rules for unvaccinated travellers.
"Novak is here. Good for tennis, good for probably the fans," Nadal said.
"Let's see, no? Best players on court always win."
A highly-anticipated United Cup clash between Nadal and Nick Kyrgios was scrapped when the local firebrand pulled out of the event because of injury.
Nadal will instead take on Alex de Minaur when Spain meet Australia on Monday.
The 22-time grand slam champion had his first practice session since arriving in Australia on Wednesday and will look to use the United Cup as a springboard into the new season.
"It's always important to start well for me, for the confidence," Nadal said.
"Last few months haven't been easy for me ... just try to have the right practice here before the tournament starts. Then of course, try to help the team.
"Main thing for me now is recover the positive feelings on court, being competitive."
