Rafael Nadal has returned to professional tennis following a year-long absence due to a hip injury and subsequent surgery. He has been playing in the Brisbane International tournament and competed in a doubles match alongside his partner Marc Lopez, which they lost. Nadal is set to play against Dominic Thiem in a singles match, marking his first singles action since his injury. He is also preparing for the Australian Open, and has expressed that he is focusing on his comeback rather than immediate wins.