Novak Djokovic might be the centre of attention at Melbourne Park but Rafael Nadal is adamant he's ready to defend his Australian Open title in style.
The build-up to next week's Open has largely circulated around nine-time champion Djokovic's return to his favoured slam after his deportation saga last year, along with world No.1 Carlos Alcaraz's withdrawal.
Reigning champion and top seed Nadal is enjoying a more understated final week before kicking off his title defence, when he will chase his first grand slam since becoming a father.
Nadal shrugged off United Cup defeats to Alex De Minaur and Cameron Norrie and his limited end to last season, after foot, rib and abdomen issues restricted him to just four events in 2022 after Wimbledon in July.
"Well, it's true that the last couple of months I was not able to play much tennis and at the beginning of the season I lost two matches in Sydney, but honestly I am not unhappy with the preparation," the world No.2 said in Melbourne on Tuesday.
"I need to win matches for sure. But the preparation is going quite well, practising a lot and I think I am in good shape.
"Then you need to demonstrate that in the matches, in the official tournaments.
"But I'm confident that if I am able to have this last week of positive practices, why not?"
Nadal, a 22-time grand slam champion, is eyeing the opportunity to recover a two-slam buffer on Djokovic by claiming a third Melbourne Park title.
Roger Federer, Djokovic and Nadal were all tied on 20 grand slam titles ahead of last year's Australian Open.
Nadal went two clear by winning at Melbourne Park in Djokovic's absence, then at Roland Garros, before Djokovic claimed his 21st at Wimbledon, while Federer retired.
The 36-year-old reflected fondly on last year's final triumph over Daniil Medvedev.
"Probably this one is one of the more unexpected ones. Very emotional," he said.
"The final comeback is one of the most important in my career."
Nadal has adjusted his routines since son Rafael Jr was born in October but said he hadn't felt disrupted.
"It's about adapting to this new part of my life in all ways," he said.
"You need a little bit more of organisation than before without a doubt.
"But it's the first time that happens in my life.
"So I need some time to adjust all the things that are going to help me to stay the same as before, but I think I have all the things around me that help me to to keep going without problems."
