NEW DELHI:
Rafael Nadal
marked a significant and emotional return to the tennis court after a year-long injury hiatus. The 22-time
Grand Slam
winner showcased remarkable form, securing a clinical 7-5, 6-1 victory over former US Open champion
Dominic Thiem
at the
Brisbane International
in Australia on Tuesday.
The match unfolded in front of a packed crowd at Pat Rafter Arena.
The 37-year-old Spaniard, who had not played singles since a second-round exit at the Australian Open the previous year, had undergone two rounds of hip surgery during his period of absence. The triumphant comeback was described by Nadal as an "emotional and important day."
"Today, honestly, is an emotional and important day for me after probably one of the toughest years of my tennis career, without a doubt," he said.
"To have the chance to come back after a year and play in front of an amazing crowd, and play I think at a very positive level for the first day is something that makes us feel proud.
"For myself, all the team and my family who have been there every single day during the last year."
Despite concerns and fears arising during his prolonged absence, Nadal dispelled any notions of his career coming to an end. Nadal confirmed this week that he was steadfastly determined to return for the 2024 season, demonstrating resilience and commitment to continue competing in professional tennis.
He conceded before the match there was "a high percentage" that it would be his last season, but left the door open to play on should his body hold up.
"I missed being healthy, I missed feeling competitive and to play in front of full crowds like this," he added courtside after beating Thiem in 89 minutes.
"Crowds in Australia all my career have been an amazing support for me. I can't thank everyone enough."
Nadal, who had prepared for the Australian summer at his academy in Kuwait, engaged in training sessions with the promising French teenager Arthur Fils. In his return match, Nadal displayed a seamless performance, losing only six points on serve and making minimal unforced errors against the formidable opponent Thiem.
Former world number three Thiem, who navigated through qualifying to reach the main draw, matched Nadal's level throughout the first set. However, Nadal intensified the pressure during a crucial moment at 6-5, securing the set by capitalising on Thiem's errors.
Nadal continued to dominate, holding his serve flawlessly and breaking Thiem to claim a 2-0 lead in the second set. As Nadal elevated his game, Thiem's confidence waned, leading to a comfortable victory for the Spaniard.
The match showcased Nadal's remarkable return and competitive spirit on the tennis court.
"I think the first set was very equal, both of us serving well and then I was able to have that break for 6-5," he said.
"I know Dominic has been going through hard times with injuries too, so happy to see him on court, wish him all the very best for the season."
Earlier, fifth-seeded American
Sebastian Korda
and Argentinian sixth seed
Sebastian Baez
both crashed out.
Germany's Yannick Hanfmann downed Korda 7-5, 6-4 while Baez lost to Lukas Klein, with the Slovakian qualifier winning 4-6, 6-3, 6-4.
Australian qualifier James Duckworth also enjoyed a good win by ousting American JJ Wolf 6-3, 6-4.
In the women's draw, former world number one
Victoria Azarenka
came back from second set jitters to see off Russia's
Anna Kalinskaya
6-1, 7-6 (10/8), while Sofia Kenin, a former Australian Open winner, was stunned by Australian wildcard Arina Rodionova 7-5, 7-6 (9/7).
(With AFP inputs)
English (US) ·