After weeks of speculation, Rafael Nadal’s coach Carlos Moya has been discussing the Spaniard's chances of taking part in the year’s first Grand Slam tournament, the Australian Open, which gets underway on January 15.

The news of former men’s world number one Andy Murray and women’s all-time leading Grand Slam winner Serena Willams' withdrawals from the Australian Open over the last seven days has already disappointed fans around the world.

Meanwhile, Nadal has been struggling with a knee problem in recent weeks and therefore opted against competing in any of the warm-up tournaments to prepare for Melbourne - subsequently throwing his participation at the Australian Open into doubt.

However, after competing in two training sessions yesterday, Moya is confident Nadal will be fit to play, providing he doesn't suffer any further issues.

“The two training sessions have been very positive after arriving late last night,” said Moya, as per The Express.

“We want to make a small adaptation to the weather and also to the track. Starting tomorrow, he will start playing training sets to try on and he will continue to do so in the coming days. Rafa is fine, with confidence and playing at a good level.

“And we are optimists. We think it will be fine to play the tournament, if nothing gets twisted or changed."

Of all the Grand Slams, Nadal has had the least success at the Australian Open, winning it just once in 2009.

He reached the final 12 months ago, only to lose to Roger Federer in five brilliant sets.

And after an outstanding 2017 where he won the French Open and US Open to return to the top of the world rankings, he will be keen to get the New Year off to the perfect start.

Nadal is currently considered the second-favourite behind old adversary Federer to pick up the first Grand Slam of 2018 by most bookies.