World number one Novak Djokovic believes Rafael Nadal will be competitive at next month's Australian Open, despite his injury absence.
The Spaniard, 37, a 22-time Grand Slam winner, is set to make his comeback in Brisbane this weekend ahead of the first tennis major of the year.
His last match was a second-round loss to American Mackenzie McDonald at the Australian Open in January.
The 2024 edition of that tournament begins on 14 January in Melbourne.
"I always expect him [Nadal] to play at his best, to be honest," said Djokovic, 36, who won three Grand Slams in 2023 to reach a record 24 for his career and overtake Nadal.