Rafael Nadal passes fitness test for Australian Open

Rafael Nadal will play at the Australian Open. Photo / Photosport.

Rafael Nadal confirmed himself a certain Australian Open starter after making a rusty return to the court at the Kooyong Classic.

The world No.1 played just his second match in almost three months, losing to veteran Frenchman Richard Gasquet 6-4 7-5 in their exhibition outing in Melbourne on Tuesday.

But more importantly, the Spaniard looked to be moving freely on his troublesome knee.

"It was a good test for me and good practice," Nadal said.

I will be seeing my Aussie fans when I land on the 4th in Melbourne and start there my preparation for the Australian Open.

— Rafa Nadal (@RafaelNadal) December 27, 2017

"I'm good and I am here so that's good news and my idea is just to keep practising the next couple of days to be ready for the beginning of the Australian Open."

Nadal hadn't played since withdrawing from the ATP Tour Finals in mid-November after an opening three-set loss to David Goffin.

He was far from his best against world No.31 Gasquet but it was a big step forward as he targets a second Australian Open title.

Nadal trailed Gasquet 3-0 in the second set after going down a double break but clawed his way back to lead 5-4 only to lose his serve again.

His forehand was particularly erratic in the swirling wind at Kooyong.

Tournament officials hastily organised the practice match for Nadal after he withdrew from last week's Brisbane International saying he was underdone.

"It was a long year last year so I started my preparation a little bit later than usual," Nadal said.

"It's good to start having the feelings of playing a match even if it's not official."

Nadal, who lost the Open final in five sets to Roger Federer last year, will round out his preparation in the Tie Break Tens on Wednesday night in Melbourne alongside Novak Djokovic, Stan Wawrinka and Nick Kyrgios.