Spanish star Rafael Nadal marked his return to singles competition with a straight-sets win over Austrian Dominic Thiem at the Brisbane International on Tuesday.
The 37-year-old star got the beating of the Austrian Thiem with a 7-5, 6-1 win in the round of 32 at the Australian event.
The 22-time Grand Slam champion marked his return with a brilliant top spin winner off a forehand shot down the line to claim the opening point against Austrian Thiem in a quick start to the game in Brisbane before he went on to win his opening two service games to love.
The southpaw was missing from competition for nearly a year after he was sidelined following his previous appearance in the singles category at the second round of the Australian Open last year.
He underwent a couple of bouts of hip surgery and recovery through the year 2023 and said that he would return to action in the following year, which he also mentioned could be his final year on tour.
However, the Spaniard did not confirm his retirement at the end of the season as he opined that he would love to keep going if his body held up and supported his cause.
Nadal will be seen in Grand Slam action at the upcoming Australian Open, the first major of the year, and will be looking to shake off any rust in the tune-up tournament leading to the big-ticket event.
Nadal partnered with compatriot Marc Lopez in a first-round doubles encounter against the Australian duo of Jordan Thompson and Max Purcell on Sunday, before the Spaniards ultimately went down in straight sets 6-4, 6-4.
But, Nadal did not disappoint his fans present at the packed Pat Rafter Arena as he got the better of the former US Open champion Thiem to ensure progress in the lead-up event to the year’s first Grand Slam tournament.
Nadal will take on Australian Jason Kubler in the Round of 16 in his next assignment.
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