Will be ready for Australian Open, says Rafael Nadal despite Kooyong defeat

World No. 1 Rafael Nadal lost his first match of the year 6-4, 7-5 to Richard Gasquet at the Kooyong Classic yesterday, but said he was happy after his troublesome knee held up fine

Rafael Nadal

World No. 1 Rafael Nadal lost his first match of the year 6-4, 7-5 to Richard Gasquet at the Kooyong Classic yesterday, but said he was happy after his troublesome knee held up fine. Nadal's knee injury hampered the end of his 2017 season and forced him to skip last week's Brisbane International, but he was able to give it a workout at the non-tour event in Melbourne.

"The knee is fine," Nadal said in answer to the inevitable question. "I'm here. If I was not feeling good I would not be here, so that's good news. I'll train hard over the next few days for the Australian Open, I will be ready."

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