RAFAEL NADAL KING OF TENNIS

Tennis great Rafael Nadal may be targeting a record-equalling Australian Open win, but the Spain star has admitted he's also looking towards another major milestone - starting a family.

Today sports presenter Alex Cullen sat down with the world number one as he talked about plans for fatherhood after he married his long-term love Maria Francicsca Perello, nown as Xisca, late last year.

"I always wanted to play tennis, then I have one year off, and then start my family," Nadal told Cullen.

With the Australian Open about to kick off in Melbourne, Nadal is looking to snag the title for just the second time. If he wins, it would position him as equal Grand Slam record holder alongside great rival Roger Federer on 20 titles.

But the 33-year-old remains humble when it comes to his on-court performance. When pressed about on-court rituals, such as his water bottle positioning and not stepping on lines, he admitted he's not actually superstitious as everyone believes.  

"It is like a routine that make me feel focused on what I am doing," he said

Nadal also had no problem admitting he has trouble mastering the Australian accent.

After mimicking Nadal's Spanish accent last week and being told off by his mum for it, Cullen attempted to teach Rafa some famous Aussie slang.

The pronunciation of, "Chuck a u-ey" proved tricky for Rafa, who kept saying "Chuck a Youi."

Nadal, not embarrassed about admitting weakness said to Cullen, "Maybe your accent in Spanish is better than my accent in English."

"Send me later by voice message, I keep practicing."

Source: 9now.nine.com.au/