Australian Open: Rafael Nadal Confident After 'Positive' Start at Rod Laver Arena

Rafael Nadal went some of the way to easing his nagging doubts with an uncomplicated opening straight sets victory over Russian journeyman Mikhail Youzhny at the Australian Open on Monday.

The Spanish world number three, looking for matches after an injury-hit 2014, downed Youzhny 6-3, 6-2, 6-2 in 1hr 50min and will next play American qualifier Tim Smyczek.

"Very positive result for me. I think a very good start. Very important," Nadal said.

The 32-year-old one-time US Open semi-finalist was considered a testing first-up opponent as the Spaniard searches for matches to work his way into the men's draw.

But the third seed only conceded one break point on his serve, while claiming six service breaks on the Russian in a convincing win.

The 14-times Grand Slam winner has had only seven matches since Wimbledon last July due to ongoing back and wrist injuries and an appendectomy.

His lack of match fitness was apparent in Qatar this month when he was humiliated in the first round by German Michael Berrer, a qualifier ranked outside the top 100.

So it was with relief that he had few problems in seeing off Youzhny on Rod Laver Arena.

"Always before the first match you have the doubts, especially in this situation I'm arriving here," he said.

"Never easy, but it was an important match for me. Every match is very important for me today. Was a comfortable victory that give me some confidence."

- Practice makes perfect -

While Nadal has been on the practice court since December 10 trying to build up his fitness, he knew it was only going to be a steady stream of matches that would get him back to his previous level.

"You can practice a lot. I did. I practised I think enough and with the right attitude, but at the end what you need is matches," he said.

"You practice very well, but you don't have matches, you cannot play with the right confidence, with the right competitive spirit, because you need to feel that. All the practices, you don't get that.

"That's why this victory today is very important and every time that I am on court competing is a big help for me to try to be back on the right level that I want to be."

Nadal, beaten in the final last year by Swiss star Stan Wawrinka, said he was pleased with his returning and serve game against Youzhny. He crunched 37 winners, 20 of them off his trademark forehand.

"I served the right way with only one break point during the whole match and in general I only made one or two mistakes," he said.

"When I am defending I can arrive with little bit more confidence and try to hit the ball longer. The only way to have that is winning.

"In my next match I will do it better. If I am able to win I will have a chance to do better next time.

"That's always the way that you become better and you become confident: winning. The victory is everything in the sport."