Rafael Nadal Makes Rousing Return To Tennis, Tops Thiem In Brisbane
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Rafael Nadal look about as good as Rafael Nadal could after not having played for 11 months. Last night in Brisbane, the former No. 1 cruised past a man who he had lost to six times in Dominic Thiem 7-5, 6-1.
In his first match in 349 days since losing to Mackenzie McDonald at the 2023 Australian Open, Nadal
“Today is honestly an emotional and important day for me after probably one of the toughest years of my tennis career, without a doubt,” Nadal said in his on-court interview. “I had 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.
“On the first day, it is something that makes us feel proud. Myself, all the team and family that have been there every single day during the past year.”
Thiem, who had come through qualifying and had twice lost to Nadal in the French Open final, fought hard with Nadal in the first set before Nadal pulled away, taking eight of the last nine games.
“The first set was equal, with both of us serving well and more or less winning on serve,” Nadal said. “I was able to have that break at 6-5, so that makes the difference. Honestly, I know Dominic has gone through some hard times with injuries too, so I’m happy to see him on court and I wish him the very best for the season.”
Nadal will get a day off before his second round against Australian Jason Kubler advanced when Aslan Karatsev retired after two sets of play.
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