![5315_big_article3.jpg](https://tennistonic.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/5315_big_article3.jpg)
Rafael Nadal is about to start to train again after his troubled 2014, but he already knows that it will take time to be fully fit after the operation to his appendix.
The King of Clay will have his first competitive match in Abu Dhabi where he will play either Monfils or Murray in the Mubadala World Tennis Championship (1-3 January). So Rafa knows he has just 1 month to get “some fitness” and just a bit more to be ready for the Australian Open (19th January).
Unfortunately Nadal is fully aware that he is not going to be 100% ready for the first slam to get his best condition only later in the year.
Rafa: I will be 100% only for Indian Wells
Nadal commented “I have to start the path that will lead me to fully recover at 100%. It is better to come back a little later, rather than not coming back at all.
After Doha and Melbourne I plan to be playing at a very competitive level. I should be good by Indian Wells [9th of March] and Miami. In the last few months my body wasn’t doing very well in general, it wasn’t just the appendicitis.
I will work hard to compete and win the tournaments I will play in”
In 2014 Rafa has won “just” 4 tournaments as he was sidelined for most of the year by various injuries (lower back, right wrist and appendicitis). Let’s see if 2015 will be a bit better for the Spanish Legend.