Wednesday 20 January 2016 17:37, UK
Rafael Nadal's coach and uncle Toni Nadal says the 14-time Grand Slam winner may need to change or shuffle his support team in a bid to improve his fortunes.
For most of his career, Nadal has been a perennial participant in the latter stages of Grand Slam events but in 2015 he went through a season without winning one of the big four tournaments for the first time in 10 years.
And on Tuesday, he went out in the first round of a Grand Slam event for just the second time in his career when he was beaten in five sets by fellow Spaniard Fernando Verdasco.
Toni Nadal has coached his nephew throughout his career but says he would be willing to step aside if required.
"I understand that in sport results come first and, if you have to make a change, you have to do it," he told a Spanish radio station on Wednesday.
"To lose so early in Australia is one of the biggest disappointments we have had because, in the last four months, we had been playing well.
"I hope it is only a blip and we move forward."
Verdasco prevailed thanks to an incredible tally of clean winners and Rafael Nadal implied afterwards that he needs to adapt to the aggressive style of play currently prevalent on the Tour.
And Toni Nadal said: "The strategy he has played with his whole life matters less now.
"It isn't easy to change style after 15 years."
We will bring you all the news, views, reaction and opinion from the Australian Open throughout the next fortnight.
