Real Madrid fan Rafael Nadal on Tuesday backed the controversial appointment of Zinedine Zidane as the Spanish side's new coach, saying it would be good for the club.

Speaking to reporters after his first-round victory in the Qatar Open over fellow Spaniard Pablo Carreno Busta, Nadal said he wished the Frenchman the "best of luck."

"It's obvious that he's good, I think, for the players. He's good for ... one of the most important clubs of the world. Real Madrid has somebody like him on the bench managing the club, and I am happy for him," Nadal said.