Nadal's major Australian Open announcement

Two-time Australian Open champion Rafael Nadal will return to Melbourne Park in January in the hope of adding to his bulging trophy cabinet.

Tennis Australia boss Craig Tiley revealed to Nine's Today on Wednesday that the 22-time grand slam winner will make his injury comeback at the Aussie major.

Nadal won the event in 2022 when overcoming injury to beat Daniil Medvedev in one of the great Australian Open finals.

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"The return of some of the greats, and those champions who have been off for a couple of years," Tiley began in response to a question about Naomi Osaka.

"We can reveal exclusively here that Rafa will be back.

"He's been off for most of the year, and in talking to him over the last few days he confirmed he will be back, which we're really excited about. That's awesome.

"And we know Nick's (Kyrgios) been in training so we expect to see him back."

Nadal's triumph in Melbourne in 2022 was epic, but he has since struggled with multiple injuries.

After winning Roland-Garros that same year he was forced to withdraw from his Wimbledon match against Kyrgios, and has rarely been seen on the court since.

He only made it to the second round of this year's Australian Open before being bundled out by American challenger MacKenzie McDonald.

"Can't say that I am not destroyed mentally at this time, because I will be lying. It's hard for me," Nadal said after that loss.

He held a press conference ahead of Roland-Garros where many thought he may announce his retirement, but it was only to withdraw from his favourite slam.

He has since suggested 2024 will be his final season on tour.

Nadal is 37 years old and has 22 slams to his name, second only behind long-time rival Novak Djokovic.