Photo: Rafael Nadal completes final preparations for 2016 season

Rafael Nadal appears to be raring to go as the new tennis season looms large.

The Spaniard has been stepping up his practice sessions in recent weeks as he looks to get 2016 off to a positive start at the Australian Open next month.

By his own high standards, the 2015 season was a disappointment for the 29-year-old.

However, Nadal showed signs of a potential return to form towards the end of 2015 and secured wins over the likes of Stan Wawrinka and Andy Murray at the season-ending ATP World Tour Finals in London.

Now, the 14-times grand slam champion is clearly looking forward to the new year and appears to be in good shape, if his latest post on social media is anything to go by.

Nadal shared the picture above of himself in practice action on his personal Instagram account on Tuesday and wrote: “Final practice sessions at home… Can’t wait to start!!”

Semana dura de entrenamiento… Muerto!! Tough week practicing… Exhausted!! ;)

A photo posted by Rafa Nadal (@rafaelnadal) on Dec 23, 2015 at 2:20pm PST

The Australian Open, the first grand slam tournament of the year, gets under way in Melbourne on 18 January.