Rafa’s Back: World No. 1 Practises Down Under

World No. 1 Rafael Nadal has arrived in Melbourne and commenced training on Rod Laver Arena ahead of the Australian Open, which begins on 15 January.

The Spaniard is set to begin his 2018 campaign in Melbourne after a terrific 2017 in which he not only re-gained the top spot in the ATP Rankings, but at 31 became the oldest player to finish year-end No. 1.

The left-hander also became the first player in the Open Era to win 10 titles at the same event, achieving the feat three times with victories at the Barcelona Open Banc Sabadell, the Rolex Monte-Carlo Masters and at Roland Garros. He won six titles from 10 finals.

Nadal, who has contested the Australian Open final in three of his past five appearances, will attempt to win his second title at the season’s first Grand Slam (also 2009).