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Rafael Nadal: 'I can't be considered a favourite to win Australian Open'

Rafael Nadal insists that he shouldn't be considered "a favourite" to claim his second Australian Open title.

Rafael Nadal has admitted that he doesn't feel prepared to win this year's Australian Open.

A wrist injury and appendicitis have restricted Nadal to just a handful of matches since June, and the Spaniard has insisted that he shouldn't be considered as one of the favourites to win in Melbourne.

The 28-year-old told reporters: "I would be lying if I say that I feel that I am ready to win.

"If I am here in a press conference in one week, maybe I will say another thing because we'll have the feeling that I will play a few matches.

"Probably I will have a little bit more rhythm, I will have more confidence but playing four or five matches in seven months, you cannot be a favourite."

Nadal, the third seed in the men's draw, opens his campaign against Mikhail Youzhny on Monday.

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Darren Plant
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