Rafael Nadal [ Images ] has never felt so relaxed ahead of the claycourt season, the world number one said on Monday.

Asked if he felt any pressure, the Spaniard told a news conference: "No. Maybe less than ever because I won in Australia [ Images ] and I won in Indian Wells (last month).

"I started this year better than ever. That gives me more calm than previous years."

Nadal, who lifted his maiden Australian Open [ Images ] title in January and will aim to win his fifth successive French Open [ Images ] when the season's second grand slam starts next month, begins his claycourt campaign at this week's Monte Carlo Masters.

He opens his bid for a fifth Monte Carlo crown with a second-round match against Argentine Juan Ignacio Chela.

"Coming back on clay is always special," said Nadal.