World No.1 Rafael Nadal is heading Down Under feeling much more confident about his Australian Open prospects after winning the Qatar Open.
The Australian Open has been 27-year-old Nadal's least successful grand slam, producing just one of his 13 slam titles, and that came five years ago.
The Spaniard is not a great fan of the timing of the Open, commencing in mid-January, believing there's not enough time to prepare for such an important event after the off-season.
But he was boosted when he found some of his best form in beating Frenchman Gael Monfils 6-1 6-7 (5-7) 6-2 in two hours in a quality Qatar Open final on Saturday night.
"It's the first time I have won a title in the first week of the year and it's a great way to start the season," said Nadal after capturing his 61st career title to go eighth on the all-time list, passing Andre Agassi.
Nadal will now travel to Melbourne to practice for the Open, knowing he faces a renewed challenge for the No.1 ranking from a red hot Novak Djokovic this year.
But he also has the comfort of knowing he has no ranking points to defend at Melbourne Park while Djokovic has many after claiming his third Open title last year.
The pair fought out one of the all-time great grand slam finals in the Australian Open two years ago, with Djokovic prevailing only after a five-set marathon lasting five hours and 53 minutes - a record for a slam decider.
Nadal acknowledged his discomfort with the timing of the Open.
"It's difficult because the Australian Open is very early," said Nadal.
"It would be better to play it a bit later. It can be only the second tournament (of the year) that you are competing in, and it's one of the most important, so it's a bit strange.
"But it's strange every year. I hope to have a good week's preparation in Melbourne and try to adapt."
The final with Monfils enhanced belief he could do that.
"I want to play the way I did today, and if I can do that more often my game will be at a higher level," he said.
"Today was the first day that I did that (this year) and I want to go on doing it until it becomes natural and normal."
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