( CNN ) -- Former world No . 1 Rafael Nadal is aiming to reach peak fitness by playing in both the singles and doubles tournaments at Indian Wells this weekend . The 10-time grand slam winner has not played since losing to Novak Djokovic in a marathon Australian Open final in January , but Nadal will pair up with fellow Spaniard Marc Lopez on Friday . Nadal , currently second in the world rankings , and Lopez , ranked 34th for doubles , won the event together in 2010 when they defeated Croat Nenad Zimonjic and Canada 's Daniel Nestor in the final . `` My reason for playing doubles is that I did n't play for a month , '' Nadal told a press conference ahead of his and Lopez 's match against Zimonjic and France 's Michael Llodra . `` I think doubles is a good way to practice for everybody , where you can practice different movements , different shots . `` When you have days off [ from singles ] , you can play an extra match . And if you lose , you have another chance to be in competition . At the same time , I 'm playing with one of my best friends , so that 's another reason to play . '' Nadal 's clash with Djokovic at Melbourne Park was the longest final in grand slam history , and he also suffered defeat to the Serb in the singles final at Indian Wells in 2011 . Five-time grand slam champion Djokovic is top seed for the California event , with Nadal second . The 25-year-old is determined to keep improving his game so he can continue to challenge Djokovic for major honors . `` I try my best every day to improve my level of tennis , to be a better player , year by year . If that 's enough to beat Novak , that 's fantastic , '' he said . `` If not , I will keep on working . When I wake up every morning and go on court to practice , I do n't think about [ him ] . I think about what I need to improve in my game . '' Nadal will play either Colombia Alejandro Falla or Argentina Leonardo Mayer in his opening singles match .
Rafael Nadal to play singles and doubles matches in ATP Tour event at Indian Wells . The 10-time major winner has not played since losing the Australian Open final in January . The Spaniard and his compatriot Marc Lopez won the California event in 2010 . World No . 2 Roger Federer will be playing for Switzerland against Spain on Sunday, while world No. 1