Rafael Nadal has admitted that there is a wish among the players for the Australian Open to start two weeks later in the calendar.
The Melbourne Grand Slam begins in the third week of January, but Nadal feels that this is too soon into the year to have such a big tournament.
The Spaniard is suggesting a February start date to allow players to spend more time with their families over the holidays, but is not optimistic about change.
"For us, it is important to spend the new year at home. It important to spend Christmas at home with family. Those dates are very important," he told reporters. "Players have family, players have small kids. You want to spend that time with them.
"With this calendar, it is tough to have and enjoy this period of time with your family. It is true that if we went two weeks [later], it would be better.
"Two tournaments would be the right period of time before the tournament to play. Today we are talking for talking, because I don't see a change in that calendar for the future."
Nadal recorded a 6-1 6-0 7-5 win over Israeli Dudi Sela on Friday to reach the fourth round in Australia.
Joe Fish
