Rafael Nadal Makes Winning Return to Brisbane International

Rafael Nadal, who had not played a professional match in nearly a year, returned to the court and secured his first-round victory over Dominic Thiem at the Brisbane International. Nadal played an emotional game and won 7-5, 6-1, showcasing no signs of rustiness despite a long rehabilitation from a hip injury. He expressed satisfaction with his performance, which was a substantial improvement from his last match at the Australian Open in 2023. Nadal's victory marked an impressive comeback, considering his extended absence from the game due to injury, and he will proceed to play against Aslan Karatsev or Jason Kubler in the next round.