Coach: 'Rafael Nadal may make changes'

Raphael Nadal's coach has suggested that the Spaniard may make changes to his support team in the wake of his first-round exit at the Australian Open on Tuesday.

The world number five was ousted from the tournament after a five-set battle with Fernando Verdasco, following a 2015 season in which he failed to win a Slam for the first time in 11 years.

Nadal's uncle-cum-coach Toni told Spanish media: "I understand that in sport results come first and, if you have to make a change, you have to do it.

"To lose so early in Australia is one of the biggest disappointments we have had because, in the last four months, we had been playing well. I hope it is only a blip and we move forward."

Speaking after his exit, Nadal described the defeat as "a tough loss".