Rafael Nadal of Spain celebrates after winning a point during his men's singles match against Peter Gojowczyk of Germany at the China Open tennis tournament in Beijing October 2, 2014. REUTERS/Petar Kujundzic
Nadal, who recently underwent laparoscopic appendectomy, is at the ninth place with $44.5 million. In the 2014 season, Nadal has won four titles and took home more than $6 million prize money. In June, he won his ninth French Open title. Nadal has current deals with Nike, Babolat, Mapfre, Kia Motors, Poker Stars, Mueller, and more. Reuters

The 14-time Grand Slam champion, Rafael Nadal had his fair share of injuries this year and to top it all, he was diagnosed with appendicitis and he underwent surgery in November. After his successful appendectomy the world no. 3 has declared himself fit to compete at the Australian Open next month.

Recuperating worked out too well for the 2009 Melbourne champion as he was able to catch up with his training quickly. In fact, he shared on his Facebook page, that he's been training with Frenchman Richard Gasquet and coach Sergi Bruguera for next year's first Grand Slam.

On his Facebook page, Rafael Nadal wrote: "Training hard this week with Richard Gasquet and his trainer, Sergi Bruguera!"

Nadal confirmed how he is cleared to do high intensity trainings after five months of pain. He said that there's no problem at all. The operation on his appendix was successful and to be able to do hard core training at this stage is really important for him. The Grand Slam champion's primary aim is to push for a harder training the next weeks.
Increasing his training level's intensity and competition level would surely help the Spaniard in his next year's matches. He further added that he will also be more visible on court as much as possible and would dig in every match if the opportunity to play arises. He said that he will make sure to make the time to play on court as often as possible, which can set his mood for competition especially that Nadal aims to bounce back fully after his straight-sets loss to Croatia's Borna Coric in Basil on October.
After making sure he is completely fit and equipped to compete next year, Nadal is set for the Australian Open. As a warm up for the Australian Open this coming January 19 to February 1, Nadal will play in Abu Dhabi's exhibition even and in Doha's ATP tournament come January. Among his expected contenders just before the Open at Melbourne Park starts are 1998 US Open and 2003 Wimbledon finalist Mark Philippoussis, Omar Jasika and Fernando Verdasco, US Open junior singles and double champions.
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