Legendary tennis player Rafael Nadal said it is still "impossible" for him to think about winning tournaments as he gears up for a comeback at the Brisbane International after being out of action for almost a year with a hip injury.
The 22-time Grand Slam champion sustained the injury at Melbourne Park in January and also underwent surgery in June.
Nadal, who is set to participate in next month’s Australian Open, rivals, played down title expectations in what could be his final season on tour.
"It's impossible to think about winning tournaments today," Nadal told Australian Associated Press on Friday. "What's really possible is to enjoy the comeback. I don't expect much... one year without being on the court."
Nadal practised with world number eight Holger Rune at the Queensland Tennis Centre after touching down in Australia on Thursday.
The Spaniard, who has dropped to world number 672, feels he is in better shape than a year ago but didn’t commit to long-term goals just yet.
"I don't know how things are going to keep going," Nadal said. "I'm not a player who tries to predict what can happen in the short term and it's tougher in the medium period of time.
"I need to accept the adversity and that it's not going to be perfect, just come with the right spirit every day."
The Brisbane International will start on Sunday while the Australian Open runs from January 14-28.
