The Spaniard began his Australian Open campaign in style, sending out German Florian Mayer in straight sets 6-3 6-4 6-4.

Nadal was ecstatic to be back out on Rod Laver Arena and said he was happy with his performances, giving credit to 33-year-old Mayer.

“It makes a difference. It's much better be No. 1 than No. 9 - there is no question about that,” Nadal said after the Mayer win.

“But I am No. 9 today. That just the real thing. Today I'm the ninth player of the world. I'm going to fight to not be worst, and I going to fight to be again better. I feel that if I am playing well and I am healthy, I think I can be much better.

“I had injuries, yes. Without injuries, maybe it will be a better career. Maybe yes, maybe not. I am happy the way that I had the chance to play for a long, long time in this sport. I expect to keep playing for few more years.”

Nadal also said confidence was the main aspect in making his Grand Slam return after enjoying Fast4 Tennis in Sydney last week.

The Spaniard was in a light-hearted mood when he checked his watch before addressing the media, adding: "I was checking how late I am."

“When you are playing and winning matches, then you have things that happen automatically,” he said

“You don't need too think much about the things that are happening or the way that you played points.

“But when you are out for a while, you need to recover all these automatic things that makes you play easier, no? That's the important thing.

“But at the same time, it’s less difficult to have a comeback if you have time to practice before your comeback.

“When you have injuries in the middle of the season, let's say you get injury for three months in the middle of the season, then it’s tougher. You need to be back because you are missing events.”

Nadal was also thankful for the Australian Open and felt the tournament was continually improving.

“Every year is something new, better for the fans, the players, I think the media, too,” Nadal said.

“I'm not a journalist, but I believe the tournament is improving in all aspects. It's something that is so important for everybody to have an event that is ready to invest to improve the things all the time.”