Brisbane, Australia – The anticipation was palpable as Rafael Nadal stepped onto the court for his first competitive match in almost 12 months. The longest time off tour in his professional career made the 22-time major winner much more nervous than usual. However, as the match unfolded at the Brisbane International on Tuesday, it was evident that Nadal showed no signs of rust. He secured a convincing 7-5, 6-1 win over Dominic Thiem, a formidable opponent who won the US Open in 2020 and currently holds a career-high No. 3 ranking.
Nadal openly expressed his emotions, stating, “Today is honestly an emotional and important day for me. And to play at the very positive level on the first day is something that probably makes [me] feel proud. It’s been the longest period of time without being in a professional tournament since I started my tennis career, so, yeah, it’s an amazing feeling to come back.”
The Spanish tennis superstar’s journey back to the court has not been easy. Nadal had not played a singles match at the elite level since his hip injury in a second-round exit at the Australian Open in January of the previous year. The last 12 months proved to be among the toughest of his professional career as he diligently went through the arduous process of rehabilitation.
Despite the significant hiatus from competitive play, Nadal showcased an awe-inspiring performance. At the age of 37, he made just a handful of unforced errors, lost a mere six points on his serve throughout the entire match, and delivered some breathtaking forehand winners. The defining moment came when he secured the crucial break at 6-5 in the first set and went on to dominate the latter stages of the match, winning eight of the last nine games.
Ranked No. 672 and playing on a wild card entry in Brisbane, Nadal surprised both fans and critics alike with his unwavering skill and determination. The nerves that accompanied his return were evident, as he confessed, “You go on court and you have more nerves than usual because you [are] really at the end [of rehab and] hope that you’re going to play at this level, but inside yourself, you know that [it] can be a disaster and that, of course, worried me.”
Nevertheless, Nadal’s performance spoke for itself. He attributed his success to his exceptional shot selection, minimal mistakes, and overall game management. After such a long absence from the professional circuit, these elements presented a significant challenge, but Nadal triumphed over adversity. Reflecting on his performance, he described his satisfaction, stating, “I didn’t make a lot of bad decisions choosing the shots that I have to play, and that’s something difficult after such a long time. Something that I’m happy with.”
With his triumphant return in the books, Nadal’s journey at the Brisbane International continues. He will face Australian wild card entry Jason Kubler in the next round. Kubler, who was engaged in an intense battle with Aslan Karatsev, ultimately secured the victory after Karatsev retired injured with the match set at 6-4, 6-7 (4).
As the tournament progresses, spectators eagerly anticipate witnessing more of Nadal’s signature fierceness on the court. The Spaniard’s undeniable talent, combined with his impeccable work ethic, have always been the cornerstones of his success. Now, with his return to competitive play, fans can expect even greater displays of skill and determination.
While Nadal stole the headlines with his remarkable comeback, the women’s draw at the Brisbane International also showcased its fair share of surprises. In a stunning upset, the 2020 Australian Open winner Sofia Kenin was defeated by No. 113-ranked Arina Rodionova in the second round. Rodionova, a 34-year-old Australian, relentlessly pressured Kenin’s serve and emerged victorious in a hard-fought battle, securing a 7-5, 7-6 (7) win.
Another familiar face in the tournament, Victoria Azarenka, faced her own challenges on the court. The former Brisbane International and Australian Open champion found herself in a tight match against Anna Kalinskaya. Azarenka endured several missed opportunities to close out the match, being broken twice while serving for victory. However, she ultimately persevered and sealed the win on her fifth match point, triumphing with a scoreline of 6-1, 7-6 (8). Reflecting on her performance, Azarenka acknowledged the difficulty in closing out initial matches and expressed her relief at emerging victorious.
As each day of the Brisbane International unfolds, the excitement on the court intensifies. Nadal’s epic comeback signifies his resilience and determination to overcome challenges, inspiring both his fellow competitors and fans around the world. With more matches yet to come, the tournament promises to deliver unforgettable moments, showcasing the extraordinary talents of the world’s finest tennis players.
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