Rafael Nadal targeting Australian Open success following surgery

Rafael Nadal is optimistic about his chances of being ready for next month’s Australian Open after returning to training this week following surgery. The 28-year-old Spaniard admits, however, that he will start the 2015 season “from almost zero”, while he expects his main rivals Novak Djokovic and Roger Federer to continue their recent fine form.

Nadal missed the season-ending ATP World Tour Finals in London last month to undergo surgery to remove his appendix. The 14-time grand slam champion, who has also battled knee, wrist and back problems, is now on the comeback trail though and, after returning to training on Monday, is already casting his eye towards a return to competitive action. Nadal is looking at the events in Abu Dhabi and Doha at the start of 2015 as a chance to step up his recovery ahead of the Australian Open, which begins on January 19.