Hungry Nadal strives for perfection
Rafael Nadal started 2011 as the undisputed world No 1 but he ended it ousted from the top spot and scratching his head for a way to beat Novak Djokovic.
After a long period playing second fiddle to Roger Federer in the rankings, the Spanish 10-time grand slam winner, five years younger than the Swiss, looked set for a period of domination of the men's game.
In 2010 he won the French Open, Wimbledon and the US Open, and finished in the top spot for the second time in three years.
But last season proved a harsh lesson for the 25-year-old as he was beaten six times in a row by Djokovic, who supplanted him as world No 1.
That run of defeats to the Serb included losses in the Wimbledon and US Open finals -- painful for a man used to coming out on top in the biggest matches.
And with Djokovic providing an irritating roadblock, Nadal won just three titles last year, his fewest in a season since winning just one in 2004.
But Nadal lifted his sixth French Open title to equal Bjorn Borg's record at Roland Garros and is through to his fourth consecutive grand slam final on Sunday as he stays on Djokovic's coat tails.
Nadal, who won the Australian Open title in 2009, produced a thrilling semifinal win over Federer in Melbourne, proving he still has the Swiss player's number on the game's biggest stages.
But now he must work out how to beat Djokovic, over whom he still enjoys a 16-13 winning record.
The Spanish world No 2 said he had made some tweaks to his game, including a heavier racquet, in the off-season as he plots a way back to the top.
"I am trying to play a little bit more aggressive and hit more winners," he said. "You know, the improvements that I want to make are not complete.
"I didn't practise a lot with that, so I need time to play with this aggressive plan during all the match.
"Probably I need a few more months and tournaments. But I am happy how I am doing. I don't know if it is going to be enough for him. I'm going to try to play well like I did all the tournament."
Nadal, who has previously said he is planning to take some time off after the Australian Open to rest his tired body, said his run in Melbourne had been a "fantastic way to start the season".
The Spaniard is bidding to draw level with Bjorn Borg and Rod Laver on 11 grand slam titles. Only three players have won more -- Roy Emerson (12), Pete Sampras (14) and Federer (16).