Nadal pulled out of a warm-up event in Abu Dhabi and then withdrew from this week’s Brisbane International after not feeling fit enough to compete due to worries about his right knee.

But last week the world number one expressed his intention to travel to Australia, writing on Twitter: “I will be seeing my Aussie fans when I land on the 4th in Melbourne and start there my preparation for the Australian Open.”

And the 31-year-old shared a picture of himself today at the Palma de Mallorca airport, preparing to fly out to Australia.

He wrote in the caption: “#australianopen on my way.”

Nadal has not played since November when he withdrew from the ATP World Tour Finals with a knee injury.

He is scheduled to appear at a Tie Break Tens event at Melbourne Park on January 10 in a male-only field which includes Novak Djokovic, Stan Wawrinka and Nick Kyrgios.

“Tie Break Tens is a great concept and we will see and play some exciting matches,” Nadal said in a statement.

“The field is fantastic and I expect some tough competition which will be great for the Aussie fans.”

Nadal is one of a number of players who are doubtful for the Australian Open, which starts on January 15.

Andy Murray is a major doubt after a late withdrawal from the Brisbane International due to his ongoing hip injury.

The British number one shared an emotional post on Facebook, revealing his injury turmoil.

He wrote: "It's quite demoralising that when you get on the court it's not at the level you need it to be to compete at this level. It's really hurting inside."