体坛英语新闻：Nadal: "No. 1 doesn't change anything"

MELBOURNE, Jan. 17 (Xinhua) -- Rafael Nadal says he feels no added pressure entering Australian Open 2009 and this season as the world No. 1.

    "For me No.1 doesn't change anything," the Spanish player said here at a packed press conference.

"I was very happy to be No. 2; I am very happy for sure to be No.1. Every year the season starts from zero for everybody. For me there is no more added pressure."

    Nadal insisted that all main draw competitors embarked on the tournament with a shot at the title.

    "Right now, 128 players are there. Everybody starts from the first round here and it is going to be difficult for everybody."

Spain's Rafael Nadal practises at Melbourne Park Jan. 16, 2008, ahead of the Australian Open tennis tournament, which begins on Monday.

    While all players might be equal in Rafael's eyes, he's keeping a wary eye on Andy Murray, who has already won a title in Doha in 2009 and believes that if the Britain can continue his run of form, he has a chance to claim his first Grand Slam title.

    "He's playing good tennis with confidence," said Nadal. "When you win Cincinnati, when you win Madrid, when you win Doha playing against Roger Federer, playing against Andy Roddick, you are ready to win a Grand Slam. If you beat the top guys in the tournaments, you are ready," said the Spaniard.

    With 32 tour titles to his name including eight in 2008, Nadal said his aims this year are no different to those he had before he hit the big time.

    "I have the same goals three years ago, two years ago, one year ago. It doesn't change," said the 22-year-old.

    "I try to improve my tennis because I am still very young. I try to continue to be in the top positions and try to continue to win tournaments."