Johannesburg, Dec 31 : World number one Rafael Nadal has reportedly undergone a new treatment on his troublesome knees in a bid to complete a full season on the ATP Tour for the first time since 2011.

The Spaniard missed all of the second half of 2012 as well as the first Grand Slam of 2013, in Australia, prompting many predictions that he would never be a world-beater again and although he proved these wrong, previous treatments have brought only temporary improvements, he is mindful that he has reached a crucial phase of his career.

According to Sport24, Nadal refused to say precisely what had been done to the semi-permanent injuries, and volunteered only that he is going through a new, different treatment and that he is hopeful about a healthier 2014, adding that the treatment may also prolong his career.

However, Nadal admitted that the delay in restarting work during the off season has reduced his chances of regaining the Australian Open title in two weeks time, although he is hopeful that in 2014, he would not need anti-inflammatories or have to inject plasma-rich platelets so much into his knees.

Stating that he feels he can have a more normal life than he had during the last year and a half, Nadal further said that although he can comfortably kick a football, he admits he will not play a football match, one of his great loves. (ANI)