Rafael Nadal not chasing world number one spot

Rafael Nadal has insisted that he is not obsessed with returning to the top of the men's world tennis rankings.

The Spaniard started 2014 ranked number one, but having spent much of the season sidelined through injury, he has dropped down to third behind Novak Djokovic and Roger Federer.

The 28-year-old recently confirmed that he will be fit to compete at next month's Australian Open, but he is now more concerned about remaining free of injury, rather than topping the standings.

"For me it won't be a goal in my career anymore. If I have become number one because of the results I have, it's great. But I'm not going to pursue this objective," he told Stade 2.

"I will follow my schedule. My big goal is to play as many years as possible. What I won't do is put at risk the best years of my career to get the number one spot. It won't be anymore an objective for me."

Nadal last featured in a tournament in Basel back in October.