Rafael Nadal made a triumphant return to professional tennis after nearly a year of absence due to injury, defeating Dominic Thiem at the Brisbane International in his first singles match in 349 days. The 37-year-old Spanish player, a 22-time Grand Slam champion, hinted that this season might mark the conclusion of his illustrious career.
Nadal expressed the emotional significance of the day, considering it one of the toughest years of his tennis career. He acknowledged the support of his team and family, grateful for the opportunity to play in front of an enthusiastic crowd after such a challenging period.
Participating as a wildcard in the Brisbane International, Nadal sees this tournament as a vital preparation for the Australian Open, starting on January 14 in Melbourne. In the upcoming round, he is set to face the 102nd-ranked Australian, Jason Kubler, in the last 16.
Having struggled with injuries, Nadal had undergone left hip surgery in June, causing a slip in his world ranking to 672nd. His comeback began with a doubles match alongside Marc Lopez, and on Tuesday, he demonstrated his prowess on the singles court with a convincing win over Thiem.
Nadal’s performance showcased moments where it seemed as if he had never been away. His sharp movement, intensity, and skill were on display, particularly during crucial moments such as breaking Thiem in the 12th game to secure the first set.
The victory marked Nadal’s 1,069th at the tour level, propelling him to the fourth spot on the all-time men’s list, surpassing Ivan Lendl. Despite indicating in May that 2024 could be his final year, Nadal, after his doubles return, expressed a strong desire to continue playing, refraining from stating definitively that this season would be his last.
Notably, Nadal’s historic achievements had him tied with Novak Djokovic for the record number of men’s major triumphs before Djokovic secured additional titles in the previous year. The uncertainty surrounding Nadal’s future adds a layer of anticipation to his journey in the current season.
