Rafael Nadal’s comeback to tennis couldn’t have begun with a a lot larger matchup. It additionally couldn’t have gone significantly better.
In a battle between former Grand Slam champions who’ve fallen upon harder instances of late, Nadal defeated Dominic Thiem 7-5, 6-1 within the first spherical of the Brisbane Worldwide on Tuesday night. The 37-year-old Spaniard didn’t face a single break level whereas advancing in a single hour and 27 minutes.
“As we speak is truthfully an emotional and essential day for me after in all probability one of many hardest years of my tennis profession, undoubtedly,” mentioned Nadal, who missed everything of 2023 following the Australian Open as a consequence of a hip harm. “I had the possibility to come back again after a yr and play in entrance of an incredible crowd and play, I feel, at a really optimistic degree.
“On the primary day, it’s one thing that makes us really feel proud–myself, all of the staff, and household which were there each single day through the previous yr.”
The turning level got here with Thiem serving at 5-6 within the opening set. He saved three set factors however couldn’t combat off a fourth, and from there it was throughout. Nadal raced to a 3-0 lead within the second and by no means appeared again.
“The primary set was equal, with each of us serving properly and roughly profitable on serve,” Nadal assessed. “I used to be capable of have that break at 6-5, in order that makes the distinction. Truthfully, I do know Dominic has gone via some arduous instances with accidents too, so I’m pleased to see him on courtroom and I want him the perfect for the season.”
Thiem has been struggling ever since sustaining a nasty wrist harm through the 2021 grass-court swing. The 30-year-old Austrian, who’s again within the high 100 however nonetheless decrease than many would anticipate at this level in his comeback at No. 98, needed to qualify in Brisbane–which he did with a few dramatic three-set victories.
Subsequent up for Nadal is Australia’s Jason Kubler, who received a retirement from Aslan Karatsev.