(Reuters) – Rafa Nadal made his highly anticipated return to professional tennis on Tuesday after nearly a year away from the sport. The 22-time major winner, who had been sidelined due to a hip surgery, expressed his joy at being back on the court but acknowledged that regaining his confidence and natural movements would take time.
Returning to the Brisbane International, Nadal secured a 7-5 6-1 victory over Austrian former world number three Dominic Thiem in the first round. The 37-year-old’s last match before his hiatus was at the Australian Open in January 2023, and he underwent hip surgery shortly thereafter, leading him to sit out the rest of the season.
In a statement to reporters, Nadal emphasized the importance of staying healthy and expressed confidence in his ability to play tennis. He explained that the challenge lies in transitioning back to a professional level and regaining confidence and fluidity on the court following his surgery. The process, he said, would require time and dedication through practice sessions and competitive matches.
Thiem, who also struggled with injuries in 2021 and 2022, has made progress in his comeback and is currently ranked 98th in the world. Nadal commended Thiem’s resilience and expressed belief in his potential to climb the rankings, especially if he remains healthy.
Nadal highlighted the positive strides Thiem has made in the past year and expressed optimism about his ability to finish the season with a significantly higher ranking. He underscored the importance of regaining confidence through match wins and reaffirmed his conviction that Thiem has the potential for a much higher ranking.
As Nadal makes his return to the professional tennis circuit, fans and commentators eagerly await his performance and look forward to witnessing his comeback journey unfold. The iconic Spanish player’s resilience and determination are expected to inspire and captivate audiences worldwide as he navigates the challenges of returning to top form after a lengthy absence.
(Reporting by Rohith Nair in Bengaluru; editing by Pritha Sarkar)
