Nadal finds early-in-year timing of Australian Open `bit strange`

Doha: After sealing his 61st career title, Rafael Nadal said he is in a better condition for the first Grand Slam event of the year, but finds it a bit strange playing in the Australian Open, which happens to be the only second tournament of the year.

Nadal beat Gael Monfils 6-1, 6-7 (5/7), 6-2 at the Qatar Open, giving him much needed confidence for a major title that he has not won for five years. He said it is difficult because the Australian Open is held very early and added that it would have been better to play if it was scheduled a bit later. Nadal believes the Melbourne heat makes the balls quicker, and it also makes them bounce more, both characteristics which suit his style more, Sport24 reports. The World No.1 will get around six days time to acclimatize for the Australian Open. Nadal missed Melbourne last year because of his troublesome injured knees.