Rafael Nadal has opened up on his prolonged title drought at the Australian Open since 2009.

In one of his epic clashes with long-time foe Roger Federer, the Spaniard won in five fiercely-fought sets in a final that stretched well past midnight.

It was a contest that lasted 4 hours and 23 minutes, only a few ticks shy of the marathon 2008 Wimbledon final featuring these two greats, which spanned 4 hours and 48 minutes.

Rafael Nadal reveals injuring his back during the 2014 final loss to Stan Wawrinka

Speaking at a press conference ahead of this year’s Australian Open, Nadal said he can’t quite find a reason why he hasn’t won the event since 2009.

The Spaniard, who is currently level with Federer for the most number of Grand Slam titles, at 20 apiece, said that he came close to lifting the trophy once again in 2014.

Nadal reached the final at the Melbourne Park that year before going down to Swiss Stan Wawrinka in a four-setter.

Nadal says he also had chances in 2012 and 2017

He revealed that he suffered a back injury during the title showdown in 2014, which eventually hurt his prospects of lifting his second Australian Open title.

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However, he did remind the media crew that “nobody in the history of the Open Era won twice in every single event”.

“I don’t find a real reason. I think I had a big chance in 2014. I got injured during the match, in the back. It was a tough one,” Nadal said.

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He said he also had good chances in 2012 and 2017 to win the championship but somehow contrived to lose.

There’s a big question mark around Nadal’s chances at Melbourne Park this year as he is battling a sore back.

He pulled out of Spain’s campaign at the ATP Cup, citing a stiff back and it led to frenzied speculation on whether he will be fit to compete in the Australian Open.

Despite missing Nadal’s services, Spain reached the semi-finals of the ATP Cup before losing to Spain.