MADRID (REUTERS) - Rafael Nadal should recover from the back problem that wrecked his Australian Open final after a few days' rest, his uncle and coach Toni told Spanish radio on Monday.

The ailing world No.1 lost to Stanislas Wawrinka in Sunday's final, preventing the Spaniard drawing level on 14 Grand Slam singles titles with American Pete Sampras.

Nadal needed lengthy treatment at the start of the second set, and hit back to win the third but the Swiss eventually captured his debut slam with a 6-3, 6-2, 3-6, 6-3 success.

His uncle told Cadena Ser's El Larguero show that his nephew planned to return to his native Mallorca from Melbourne, before heading to Argentina where he is due to take part in a clay event in Buenos Aires starting on Feb 10.

"The doctor said it's a tightening of the muscles and a few days' rest should be enough," said Toni.

"He went into the match after feeling twinges during the week but very minor ones that normally do not affect you at all.

"In the second game of the second set he felt a pinch. When I asked him after treatment what was happening he said 'it's over'."