Rafa Nadal will head into the Australian Open undercooked and with only one win to his name since September's US Open, but it would surprise nobody if he retained the title he won for the second time last year.
The ravages of two decades on tour mean Nadal has rarely been able to prepare for majors like other players, forcing him to rely on skills and mental fortitude, which have earned him 22 Grand Slam titles, kicking in once the action starts.
