Rafael Nadal Hoping Doubles Win Boosts Australian Open Bid

Doha: Spanish tennis star Rafael Nadal feels more confident about the Australian Open after winning the doubles title at the Qatar Open.

The 14-time Grand Slam winner lost in the first round of the singles in Doha to Michael Berrer, a German qualifier ranked outside the top 100, but he sounded much more upbeat after his success in the doubles final, reports Xinhua.

"This has made it a positive week and I am going to be better prepared for Australia after winning this," Nadal said. "I want to arrive in Australia being competitive, that's my goal," he said, appearing to quash suggestions after his loss to Berrer that he was unsure whether he would be ready to compete in the first Grand Slam tournament of the year at all.

"You can win, you can lose, but I am doing all the things I need to be ready for the action. It's a big motivation to be back at my best level as quickly as possible, and that's what I am trying to do." However, Nadal added that he still may not be 100 percent ready for the Australian Open when it begins in Melbourne starting Jan 19.

"Australia is very important, but after a long time out, my vision is more global. I will try to be back for Australia, but my season doesn't end there." he said.