Rafael Nadal Not Optimistic For A Second Australian Open Title After Recent Draw Ceremony

World no. 3 Rafael Nadal is facing a challenging quest for his second Australian Open title following the draw ceremony. The Spaniard opens against Russian no. 1 Mikhail Youzhny and may play against Lukas Rosol, who upset him during the Wimbledon Championship in 2012. If the 28-year old wins against the two, he will face Tomas Berdych in the in the quarter-finals.

Rafael Nadal, who tries to get back to his best form after a series of injuries and appendectomy, plays down his chances of winning the Australian Open. "It will be difficult but I'm working as much as I can to be competitive," Nadal said, according to The Telegraph.

Just recently, Rafael Nadal was spotted practicing with the British no. 1, Andy Murray at the Rod Laver Arena in Melbourne Park for the upcoming 2015 Australian Open. Nadal, who arrived in Melbourne on Monday, practiced with Murray the following day for almost two hours. On his Facebook page, Any Murray uploaded a photo and wrote the caption,"Practicing today with @rafael_nadal_ in a very quiet Rod Laver Arena. #CalmBeforeTheStorm."

Rafael Nadal played the new tennis concept called Fast4 or disco tennis at the official opening of the newly renovated Margaret Court Arena. In front of 7,500 fans, the Spaniard played the Australian-developed Fast4 tennis during a benefit night for the Rafa Nadal Foundation, which helps the disadvantaged youth.

Rafael Nadal's 4-1 Fast4 first-set against Mark Philippoussis lasted only for 15 minutes. Throughout the match, Nadal was quite playful. In fact, during the match, he jokingly hit a ball into the crowd when someone interrupted him during a serve and he even took selfies afterwards. On Wednesday, Rafael Nadal also played against Fernando Verdasco, who beat Giles Simon in straight sets at the Kooyong exhibition tournament.

The 28-year-old appears to be overcoming his recent health issues and injuries. After Wimbledon, Nadal was sidelined for three months because of a wrist injury. In November, he had an appendix surgery. "This is the third comeback of my career after injury, so we will see how it goes," Nadal said.

To reach the author of this article e-mail d.ramos@ibtimes.com.au