Rafael Nadal: 'I can't be considered a favourite to win Australian Open'

Rafael Nadal has admitted that he doesn't feel prepared to win this year's Australian Open.

A wrist injury and appendicitis have restricted Nadal to just a handful of matches since June, and the Spaniard has insisted that he shouldn't be considered as one of the favourites to win in Melbourne.

The 28-year-old told reporters: "I would be lying if I say that I feel that I am ready to win.

"If I am here in a press conference in one week, maybe I will say another thing because we'll have the feeling that I will play a few matches.

"Probably I will have a little bit more rhythm, I will have more confidence but playing four or five matches in seven months, you cannot be a favourite."

Nadal, the third seed in the men's draw, opens his campaign against Mikhail Youzhny on Monday.