Rafael Nadal has got his sights set on winning a medal at the Rio Olympics in 2016 after a positive end to this year's calendar.

The Spaniard struggled at the start of 2015 following knee surgery and dropped to number 10 in the world in June but slowly worked his way back into the top five by the end of the season.

Nadal hopes to maintain that form heading into the new year with the ultimate goal being a medal at the Olympics in August.

"I want to be among the best next year. I have confidence that I'll start the year well," he told Cadena Ser.

"I'm playing well and I've reached a point where I'm recapturing those good feelings, and when one reaches a difficult moment and returns to playing well, the desire and the energy is greater.

"I'm really excited to be at the Olympics. I said that pulling out of 2012 was one of the most difficult moments of my career, possibly the thing that hurt me the most, but there are plenty of objectives before then.

"I'm going to compete in everything they give me in Brazil because they're the Olympics and you want to make the most of that, and to compete in the singles and the doubles."

And he could team up with beaten Wimbledon finalist Garbine Muguruza if the 22-year-old is up for the challenge in the mixed doubles.

He added: "I don't know, I've honestly not spoken to her [Muguruza], nor has it been raised so far. My intention is to play and also it'll be the choice of those who are helping us to be there.

"Garbine has had a fantastic year and she's a very good option.

"My main objective is to compete well and enjoy myself as I have over the last few months. If that happens it will be because I feel good and competitive and the objectives will be the same as ever."