May 31, 2024
Rafael Nadal set a formidable precedent for his 2024 return season on Tuesday at the Brisbane International.
The 22-time Grand Slam champion made his tennis comeback after 349 days with a 7-5, 6-1 first round victory over Dominic Thiem in Brisbane.
After defeating Jack Draper in his opening round at the 2023 Australian Open, the 92-time tour-level titlist was thrilled with his victory in what was his first competitive match in nearly a year.
“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.”
In addition to his impressive comeback from a string of injuries this year, which included a hip problem that necessitated surgery, Nadal’s deft movement and quick reflexes at the net were noteworthy in his 16th Lexus ATP Head2Head match against Thiem.
“The first set was equal, with both of us serving well and more or less winning on serve,” said Nadal. “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 passed fellow former World No. 1 Ivan Lendl on the all-time rankings with his 1069th tour-level triumph. The only players still in front of the Spaniard are Jimmy Connors (1274), Roger Federer (1251), and Novak Djokovic (1088).
In an attempt to win his next match in Brisbane, he will take on home wild card Jason Kubler. On Tuesday, the eighth seed was forced to quit from his match against Aslan Karatsev, leaving the two players even at 6-4, 6-7(4).
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