Rafael Nadal broke into laughter after noticing a journalist had fallen asleep in his press conference on Monday.The world number two was speaking after kicking off his Australian Open campaign by coasting past Aussie James Duckworth 6-4 6-3 7-5 in the opening round of the Australian Open.However, clearly not quite everyone in attendance was intrigued to hear his assessment of the match.Italian reporter Ubaldo Scanagatta was caught napping and Nadal couldn't hold back as midway through the Spaniards media duties, the 32-year-old stopped listening and called out the snoozing journalist, hysterically mocking him.Nadal joked: "It is not interesting today." It then appeared that the embarrassed reporter woke up, and the pair had a comical conversation.The dozing journalist is believed to be a close acquaintance of Nadal as the Spaniard said hello in Italian and followed up: "I know you were closing your eyes to be more focused on what I was saying." The Italian reporter responded: "A late night, a late night."

Nadal continued with his press conference, explaining how he still struggles with minor injuries.

And with a big few weeks ahead, the Spaniard is hoping to put his recent injury woes behind him as he bids for a second Australian Open crown.

"It was sad not to play in Brisbane," he said.

"I had a small issue on the leg and the doctor wouldn't allow me on court even if I wanted.

"It's always different pains appearing in the first weeks back after a while.

"I am trying to be better and better everyday. I had a good week of practice before this tournament."

The 32-year-old then went on to express his delight, booking his place in the second round of the open.

“It was good. It is normal that beginnings are tough, but every day helps and every day makes me feel better, makes me feel more confident,” he added.

"So that's an important victory because it is the first victory since a while, and at the same time, because that gives me the chance to be on court again. And that's what I need today.

"When I get broken was not because of the serve.

"I played against a super-aggressive player.

“Believe me, he went on court probably doing a thing that works well for him, and it gave him some chances - he played smart and he played well."

The No.2 seed will face another Australian Matthew Ebden, in the second round on Wednesday.