Rafael Nadal of Spain returns the ball to Andy Murray of Britain during their semi-final match at the Mubadala World Tennis Championship in Abu Dhabi January 2, 2015. REUTERS/Martin Dokoupil
Rafael Nadal of Spain returns the ball to Andy Murray of Britain during their semi-final match at the Mubadala World Tennis Championship in Abu Dhabi January 2, 2015. Reuters/Martin Dokoupil

Tennis stars continue to arrive in Melbourne ahead of Monday's start to the first Grand Slam tournament of the 2015 tennis season, the Australian Open. Joining the throng is current World No. 3 Rafael Nadal, who arrived in Melbourne on Jan. 12.

Nadal had an injury-plagued 2014 season after suffering from back and wrist injuries. He missed the ATP World Tour Finals in London due to a surgery to remove his appendix in November. Nadal returned to action at the exhibition tournament Mubadala World Tennis Championship in Abu Dhabi, but was defeated by Briton Andy Murray, 6-2, 6-0, in the semifinals. Nadal, nonetheless, managed to score a victory and seal his third place victory, 7-6 (1), 6-3, over defending Australian Open champion Stanislas Wawrinka.

Nadal's next tournmanent was the 2015 Qatar ExxonMobil Open in Doha, where he suffered a shocking opening round loss to qualifier 34-year-old Michael Berrer. As he strugged to regain his full fitness ahead of the Australian Open and following the loss to Berrer, who is a player ranked outside the top 100 in ATP world rankings, Nadal has cast doubt on his ability to play in the first Grand Slam tournament of the year.

Nadal has made succesful comeback from injuries in the past. Even though he is on hot water right now, Nadal is hoping that he'll have enough preparations to be ready for the Australian Open. After arriving in Melbourne, the Spaniard has wasted no time hitting the tennis balls as he shared a practice session with Murray at Melbourne Park, Yahoo Australian News reports.

Tom Brown was given exclusive access as the left-handed 14-time Grand Slam champion traded shots with Murray as he continues his return from injury. According to Browne, Nadal completed a two-hour practice session with Murray and said that the Spaniard is looking "fully fit." Other top-ranked players Novak Djokovic and Maria Sharapova have also reportedly been training as the tournament draws near.

The main draw for the Australian Open will be on Jan. 16. The tournament officially starts on Jan. 19 until Feb. 1. Nadal is looking to win his second Australian Open title, which he first won in 2008.

To reach the author of this article, email r.corpuz@IBTimes.com.au.

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