Rafael Nadal keen to improve his serve

Rafael Nadal has admitted that he must continue to improve his serve if he is to claim a second Australian Open title.

The third seed began his comeback from injury and illness by sweeping past Mikhail Youzhny 6-3 6-2 6-2 earlier today to advance into round two.

"Since I arrived here, I've been serving well, but my serve has never been my strength during my career," he told reporters. "The past few years I've been serving a little more consistently, but some moments have been better than others.

"Obviously, when I play on a hard court, I need to combine serving well with being fast and having enough confidence, that's when I have a good chance of success on this surface."

Tim Smyczek awaits Nadal in the last 64 of the tournament.