Former world number one Rafael Nadal has dismissed his chances of winning the Australian Open in January.
The 26-year-old has not played a competitive tennis match since his five-set defeat to Lukas Rosol at Wimbledon in June.
Although he plans to make his return to Grand Slam action in Melbourne, where he triumphed in 2009, he does not expect to be at his competitive best until the clay-court season begins.
"I would like to return in January," said Nadal. "I don't expect to return and win the Australian Open, I have to be realistic. The results will not worry me in the first tournaments back.
"I have to take into account my form after so long out. It wouldn't bother me if I slipped down to 15th in the world as long as inside I knew was able to continue.
"I want to be 100% in time for Monte Carlo and the run-up to Roland Garros."
Despite his prolonged absence from the sport, Nadal is still ranked fourth in the world, behind Novak Djokovic, Roger Federer and Andy Murray.
Robert Summerscales
