Nadal beat James Duckworth in three sets to sail into the Australian Open today.
It was the Spaniard’s first match since his operation on an ankle injury four months ago.
Nadal had limped out of the semi-finals of the US Open with the injury back in September but appears back to his best now.
Yet Alex Corretja, who coached Murray between 2008 and 2011, reckons Nadal will struggle with fitness later in the tournament.
And the Spaniard admits that will only go to help Novak Djokovic and Roger Federer – Rafael Nadal’s two main title rivals.
“The problem is that he has not played since the semi-finals of the US Open,” Corretja told Spanish newspaper Marca.
“If, in the first week he picks up the rhythm, I do not see why he can not advance.
“He is very good and has a lot of experience.
“I like Djokovic and Federer. I see them doing well.
“The first finished the year strong and is a favourite above the rest.
“Roger, as always, has prepared at the Hopman Cup.
“It is a pity that Rafa is lacking in fitness because it will cost him more to reach that standard.”
As for Andy Murray, who could now retire after crashing out of the Australian Open today, Corretja reckons the pain of his injuries is too much for him to continue.
“Andy’s thing is something else after the injury,” he said.
“Every game that he wins is a torture.”
Murray’s 6-4 6-4 6-7(5) 6-7(4) 6-2 defeat to Roberto Bautista Agut today could be the Scot’s last ever match.
ANDY MURRY COULD RETURN TO AUSTRALIAN OPEN
Murray intends to play Wimbledon one last time this summer before retiring.
But he admits he may try to carry on.
“Maybe I’ll see you again – I’ll do everything possible to try,” he said.
“If I want to go agin I’ll need to have a big operation which there’s no guarantee I’ll be able to come back from.
“But I’ll give it my best shot – thank you. If this was my last match it was an amazing way to end. It wasn’t enough tonight so congratulations to Roberto and his team.
“I don’t really have anything else to say. Thanks again to my team, my fans and my family who are here supporting me and everyone who has.”