Rafael Nadal believes that failing to progress past the quarter-finals of the Australian Open is "not a bad result" considering his recent injury woes.

Since last June, Nadal has played just eight matches due to a wrist injury, as well as appendix surgery, which he underwent in November.

Today, the 14-time Grand Slam champion lost his first match to Tomas Berdych since 2006 following a 6-2 6-0 7-6(5) defeat in Melbourne.

"When you have injuries, are difficult the comebacks," Nadal told reporters. "There are so many examples around the world of sport that have been tough to be back. For me, I'm not an exception on that, no?

"I have to take the positive things. Without being at my top level of tennis I was able to be here in quarter-finals. Is not a bad result at all for me arriving here the way I arrived - only with one match, only with five matches in seven months."

Berdych will face either Andy Murray or Nick Kyrgios in the semi-finals.