Rafael Nadal will hit the practice court at the Queensland Tennis Centre later today as he looks to build an Australian Open preparation.
RAFA JETS IN AND GETS DOWN TO BUSINESS
Nadal, the world No. 2, remained cautious about his physical state after knee trouble and ankle surgery on his first day in Brisbane, where he is top seed for the Brisbane International which started today.
Party time: (from left) Jo-Wilfried Tsonga, Rafael Nadal, Andy Murray, Nick Kyrgios and Kei Nishikori pose for a group photograph to celebrate the coming new year. Picture: AAP
The 17-time Grand Slam title winner withdrew from a second planned exhibition match at Abu Dhabi on Saturday, saying one match was enough for his body at the stage of his campaign.
Asked in Brisbane today how he was feeling physically, Nadal said: “It is what it is.
“After a period of time off the court with some injuries, it’s nice to be back. It’s important to be doing the steps forward, not take a step back.’’
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Nadal is poised to play his ATP match in four months after a first round bye, playing either France’s Jo-Wilfried Tsonga or the dangerous Australian qualifier Thanasi Kokkinakis.
Nadal and tour players Andy Murray, Nick Kyrgios, Kei Nishikori and Tsonga promoted the Brisbane International this morning with a light-hearted group picture with New Year’s Eve glasses and hats.
Spain’s Rafael Nadal hits the practice courts. 
Andy Murray ready for the coming year.Kyrgios backed out of a wearing a purple pair of glasses with “2019’’ built into the frames, but Nadal happily donned them with the Australian No. 2 perching a “Happy New Year’’ hat on his head.
For Nadal, Murray Kyrgios, the Brisbane International is the only tournament to be played before the Australian Open starts on January 14.
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