Rafael Nadal made a triumphant return to competitive tennis at the Brisbane International, winning his first singles match in 349 days against Dominic Thiem, 7-5, 6-1, after recovering from hip surgery in June. He then defeated Jason Kubler 6-1, 6-2 to reach his 225th career tour-level quarter-final, his first since Wimbledon 2022. Nadal was set to face either Karatsev or Kubler on Thursday, with his next opponent being Jordan Thompson. Despite a strong start, Nadal was ousted by Thompson, who achieved his first victory over the Spaniard in a 5-7, 7-6(6), 6-3 upset after saving three match points in a match lasting over three hours. On the other side of the draw, Grigor Dimitrov progressed to his third Brisbane final by beating Rinky Hijikata 6-1, 6-4 and Jordan Thompson 6-3, 7-5, setting up a final clash with top seed Holger Rune.
Make that three @BrisbaneTennis finals π₯ No. 2 seed @GrigorDimitrov sets up a showdown with top seed Holger Rune down under. @BrisbaneTennis | #BrisbaneTennis https://t.co/hr3eCKksfW
THIRD BRISBANE FINAL π₯³ @GrigorDimitrov defeats Thompson 6-3 7-5 to reach the final π #BrisbaneTennis https://t.co/2Fira0aDWj
THIRD BRISBANE FINAL π₯³ @GrigorDimitrov defetas Thompson 6-3 7-5 to reach the final π #BrisbaneTennis https://t.co/6YHDWUo2pY
The feel @GrigorDimitrov π₯΅ #BrisbaneTennis https://t.co/ue1KuDWDc5
π @rafaelnadal touched down earlier today in Melbourne! π¬π¦πΊ Weβre optimistic and hoping that his left hip won't continue to bother him, allowing him to continue his preparation for the upcoming Australian Open. π #VamosRafa! πΎπͺ
One set away π @GrigorDimitrov takes the opener 6-3 vs Thompson π₯ #BrisbaneTennis https://t.co/3BuFzJ2l17
Locked and loaded π @GrigorDimitrov pockets the opening set against Jordan Thompson, 6-3. @BrisbaneTennis | #BrisbaneTennis https://t.co/oks4ZGA7Zi
Stand and deliver π₯ @GrigorDimitrov | @BrisbaneTennis | #BrisbaneTennis https://t.co/TnOlkGh2Ox
Only one spot remains in the final of @BrisbaneTennis π Give it up for @GrigorDimitrov and Jordan Thompson π #BrisbaneTennis https://t.co/Z83acTFUUh
Australiaβs Jordan Thompson stuns Rafael Nadal in three-set Brisbane thriller https://t.co/v7mvIGSlbo
ICYMI: After three hours and 25 minutesβand three match point savesβJordan Thompson ousts Rafael Nadal in a @BrisbaneTennis banger, 5-7, 7-6 (6), 6-3. More on @jordanthommmo2, including his memorableβand loudβmatch point β€΅οΈ https://t.co/yhRvbAXW3W
π "I had a lot of opportunities to win" Rafael Nadal reflects on his quarter-final defeat to Australia's Jordan Thompson in the Brisbane International π¦πΊ https://t.co/Fls9lCn4cN
Rafael Nadal lost to Australia's Jordan Thompson at the quarter-final stage of the Brisbane International, having failed to take three match points πΎ
Rafael Nadal's Brisbane challenge was ended at the quarter-final stage by home hopeful Jordan Thompson https://t.co/A1XyoUIj6A
Rafael Nadal failed to convert three match points as Jordan Thompson won on home soil in the quarter-finals of the Brisbane International. π¦πΊ Report β¬οΈ #BBCTennis
Incredible to see you back on the tennis court, @RafaelNadal π #BrisbaneTennis https://t.co/hTQQiakrlT
Jordan Thompson ecstatic after finding his way past Rafael Nadal to reach Brisbane SFs. Thompson saved three MPs in the second set. https://t.co/h8h8jtdwlg
SCENNEEESSS IN BRISBANE π€― Jordan Thompson takes out Rafael Nadal in a three-set 3 hour and 25 minute epic, 5-7 7-6(6) 6-3 ππ¦πΊ #BrisbaneTennis https://t.co/QepoNF7VnS
Good to have you back, Rafa π @RafaelNadal #BrisbaneTennis https://t.co/V2ZRHzyrh8
Comeback COMPLETE π₯Ά @jordanthommmo2 saves 3 match points to defeat Nadal on his return 5-7 7-6 6-3 and reach the last 4 in Brisbane #BrisbaneTennis https://t.co/4r5IMtYCfP
Thompson downs Nadal! The Aussie beats Rafa for the 1st time 5-7 7-6 6-3 after saving 3 match points to join Dimitrov in Brisbane semi-finals What a match from Jordan πͺ https://t.co/MSk5GaV6EH
Thompson Takes Out Nadal! π± @jordanthommmo2 #BrisbaneTennis https://t.co/mvEHvhZrw5
ππ πππππ πππ ππ πππππππ π @jordanthommmo2 digs deep and saves 3 match points to defeat Nadal and will face Dimitrov in the semi-finals! @BrisbaneTennis | #BrisbaneTennis https://t.co/NKoGp72qgG
And the Aussie crowd goes wild π¦πΊπ£οΈ Jordan Thompson saves three match points against Nadal to steal the second set 7-6(6) and force it to a decider. @BrisbaneTennis | #BrisbaneTennis https://t.co/oIQ0s9Pkzl
SCENES π± @jordanthommmo2 saves 3 match points to force a decider in Brisbane! #BrisbaneTennis https://t.co/MzHI4NeFSQ
Gets better with every watch π₯ @RafaelNadal #BrisbaneTennis https://t.co/9yXdVFVUll https://t.co/OYQigeIhCc
Take a bow, @RafaelNadal π #BrisbaneTennis https://t.co/A5C69RJDXi
Making every moment matter. @RafaelNadal breaks Jordan Thompson to take the opening set, 7-5. @BrisbaneTennis | #BrisbaneTennis https://t.co/vU7Jq65CKw
βTime violation warning, @RafaelNadal.β π And with that, the Spaniardβs comeback is officially on at @BrisbaneTennis. β€΅οΈ https://t.co/C3DZsmeyn8
Can Rafa make the last 4? π @RafaelNadal takes on @jordanthommmo2 with a place in the #BrisbaneTennis semi-final at stake Watch live ---> https://t.co/hOHmv2wMlX https://t.co/0o4dNbHO4l
File under wow moment for @SabalenkaA π #BrisbaneTennis https://t.co/pgBCuxhjdM
Grigor π«Ά Brisbane @GrigorDimitrov pushes past Aussie Rinky Hijikata 6-1, 6-4 to advance to his fifth @BrisbaneTennis semi-final. #BrisbaneTennis https://t.co/dHW1JzoICA
Another strong performance from @GrigorDimitrov in Brisbane! The Bulgarian beats Hijikata 6-1, 6-4 and awaits the winner of Nadal/Thompson in the Semifinals. https://t.co/26Ud9eNhLo
In a hurry πββοΈ @GrigorDimitrov races through the first set against Hijikata, taking it 6-1 in 28 minutes. @BrisbaneTennis | #BrisbaneTennis https://t.co/ksbLVoXlyJ
Absolute lovely lob from @HolgerRune2003 π #BrisbaneTennis https://t.co/J19YpkwVLK
Rafael Nadal earns βimportantβ Brisbane win over Kubler as return continues https://t.co/22vH5Qy64L
#BrisbaneTennis #RafaelNadal #JasonKubler @RafaelNadal overpowers Kubler to reach Brisbane International quarters READ: https://t.co/fjI7pVtNlS https://t.co/KNj7ZjyVIh
Always striving to improve! π€£ @RafaelNadal on receiving a time violation in Brisbane #BrisbaneTennis https://t.co/GZmBtQRQ0M
Rafa rolls on! β©πͺπΈ Rafael Nadal reaches the quarter-finals in Brisbane after a straight sets win over Jason Kubler π https://t.co/K3DqFp1wy9
Rafa rolls on! β©πͺπΈ He reaches the quarter-finals in Brisbane after a straight sets win over Jason Kubler π https://t.co/QUFg9XOKFU
Quarter-Finals Calling! π€ @RafaelNadal takes out Kubler 6-1 6-2 to advance in Brisbane #BrisbaneTennis https://t.co/zqytq2ztS4
Straightforward 6-1, 6-2 round two win for @RafaelNadal against Kubler in Brisbane! The Spaniard saved all 4 break points he faced. https://t.co/liWANE0Xmv
New Achievement: UNLOCKED! οΏ½οΏ½ Rafael Nadal advances into a 225th career tour-level quarter-final with a 6-1 6-2 win over Kubler in Brisbane @RafaelNadal #BrisbaneTennis https://t.co/H0EGJJHR2u
Everything's fine for Nadal! βοΈ Rafa's successful returns continues with an easy win over Jason Kubler 6-1 6-2 to move into Brisbane quarter-finals Next up: Jordan Thompson https://t.co/ujd95nr2vl
π½π¨π΄πΆπΊ πͺ @RafaelNadal defeats Kubler 6-1, 6-2 to reach his 225th tour-level quarter-final, first since 2022 Wimbledon. @BrisbaneTennis | #BrisbaneTennis https://t.co/fHkSkHhHqF
Rafael Nadal dominates his way to the Brisbane Quarterfinals with a convincing victory over Jason Kubler! πͺπΎβ€΅οΈ https://t.co/lAvNFwwyb3
AND THE COMEBACK CONTINUESβ πͺπΈ @RafaelNadal has stormed into the quarterfinals in Brisbane in his first tournament in almost a year, blitzing Brisbane native Jason Kubler at the Australian Open lead-up event, 6-1 6-2. πͺ It's the 225th tour-level quarterfinal of Rafa's career:
Like he never left π₯ @RafaelNadal with a devastating display to defeat Kubler and reach the last 8 in Brisbane! #BrisbaneTennis https://t.co/ROyWfLQr8g
RAFAAAAAAA DELIVERS AGAIN! In just his second match back, Rafael Nadal defeats Kubler 6-1, 6-2 to reach the Quarterfinals in Brisbane. Faces Thompson next. https://t.co/vU9KGTW58b
Rafa with a no look smash π€― @RafaelNadal | @BrisbaneTennis | #BrisbaneTennis https://t.co/00I49Ey3iD
0-40 deficit? No problem for Rafa. Nadal gets the hold and takes a 6-1 lead against Kubler. #BrisbaneTennis https://t.co/MtJ8VdEASk
FLYING START! π @RafaelNadal races to a 6-1 lead over Kubler in Brisbane #BrisbaneTennis https://t.co/fO5gRonq3c
In charge π«‘ @RafaelNadal secures the first set 6-1 against Kubler to take one step closer to the quarter-finals! @BrisbaneTennis | #BrisbaneTennis https://t.co/WDX2qqt40o
Stop that Rafa! π± An INCREDIBLE piece of improvisation from the Spaniard! @RafaelNadal #BrisbaneTennis https://t.co/unL25jrOyA
Earning another break of serve in style! Quick 4-0 lead for Rafael Nadal against Kubler. #BrisbaneTennis https://t.co/WPqgwiEBYo
Oh we've missed this forehand! π€© @RafaelNadal #BrisbaneTennis https://t.co/XjVk9mn03O
Lights, Cameras, RAFA! π€© Watch @RafaelNadal take on Jason Kubler for a place in the quarter-finals in Brisbane LIVE NOW: https://t.co/hOHmv2wMlX https://t.co/XIsUKkKZED
NADAL VS KUBLER LIVE NOW! Tune in π€ #BrisbaneTennis https://t.co/hCNo9NP7S3
Clinical βοΈ Former champion @GrigorDimitrov fights past Altmaier 6-1, 6-2 to reach the quarter-finals in Brisbane! @BrisbaneTennis | #BrisbaneTennis https://t.co/LVDh2xibgt
Pure athleticism π― @GrigorDimitrov with the hops at #BrisbaneTennis! https://t.co/Zph5RytLVn
Dominant. After 28 minutes, @GrigorDimitrov takes the first set 6-1 against Altmaier πͺ #BrisbaneTennis https://t.co/r9PGZyjze5
Watch Nadal vs. Kubler live from Brisbane tonight ‡οΈβ€΅οΈβ€΅οΈβ€΅οΈβ€΅οΈ https://t.co/5EmSQEKnZH
RUNEEEEEEEE π€― @BrisbaneTennis | #BrisbaneTennis https://t.co/1WniWySevd
π Save the date! πΎ On Thursday, catch the showdown between Rafa Nadal and Jason Kubler in the second round of Brisbane International 2024. β° For your local time, click here: β€΅οΈ https://t.co/0UTsBNfOfB
The forehands πΎ The fist-pumps πͺ The water bottles π¦ @RafaelNadalβs return at the @BrisbaneTennis felt like old times, as the 37-year-old gave tennis a New Yearβs jolt πΎ From @SteveTignor: https://t.co/ALS6M6RSye
Rafael Nadal Makes Rousing Return To Tennis, Tops Thiem In Brisbane https://t.co/t7WdZBY2Iz
Nadal Defeats Thiem in Brisbane Comeback; Faces Kubler Next. https://t.co/NjScyoqyMv
Nadal returns with a win in Brisbane in first competitive singles match in a year https://t.co/aESg3lk1Cz
Rafael Nadal makes a triumphant return in Brisbane, defeating Dominic Thiem in straight sets. #ATP https://t.co/ZV7Ue4xjko
βEmotionalβ Rafael Nadal back to singles action with victory over Dominic Thiem https://t.co/fALNYGltJG
Nadal roars to victory over Thiem in Brisbane singles comeback https://t.co/n6QuEVG6R5 https://t.co/qn41ok9e2a
"That is not a statistic I was aware of" π Rafa had no idea he was on the verge of overtaking Ivan Lendl for singles match wins! @RafaelNadal #BrisbaneTennis https://t.co/4rymwMgG8o
Hear from @RafaelNadal after his emotional victory π #BrisbaneTennis https://t.co/qgzO3uSGGH
Rafa is back. Rafael Nadal makes winning return as he beats Dominic Thiem in straight sets at Brisbane International π₯π₯https://t.co/amZi7HNBJu
He's back. @RafaelNadal https://t.co/zl9W8YVxK6
We've got our hero back! π Rafael Nadal beats Dominic Thiem in his first competitive tennis match in almost a year, and what a performance it was π₯ https://t.co/OctYVI4vAS
Game, set & match Nadal πͺπΈ The moment @RafaelNadal defeated Thiem in his comeback match! #BrisbaneTennis https://t.co/qRTnw7pajA
OUTSTANDING performance from @RafaelNadal! 7-5, 6-1 win over Thiem in his first singles match in 349 days! Great to have the legend back. #BrisbaneTennis https://t.co/z71PAMkiCS
Rafa is back, Rafa is here to stay πͺ @RafaelNadal wins his first match after a 12-month absence from tennis πΎ https://t.co/9bjKXO4uom
Back like he never left πͺ @RafaelNadal | @BrisbaneTennis | #BrisbaneTennis https://t.co/FNSyK16ptd
22-time Grand Slam champion Rafael Nadal, back on tour after 349 days, gets a very nice comeback win in Brisbane, beating fellow Slam champ Dominic Thiem 7-5, 6-1 to reach the 2nd round. Very, very impressive. He will face Karatsev or Kubler on Thursday. https://t.co/epItXbA2BJ
After 349 days, Rafael Nadal is BACK! And not only that, he looked wayyyy better than when he was playing at the end of 2022/start of 2023. Strong on serve, loads of returns in play, moved well, and sharp in the high pressure moments. 7-5, 6-1 over Dominic Thiem in Brisbane.
Rafael Nadal Roars Back: Triumphs Over Dominic Thiem in Brisbane After 349 Days Out of Action! https://t.co/jjL6pE0vgH
WINNING RETURN FOR RAFA! πͺ For his 1st match since almost a year, Rafael Nadal defeats Dominic Thiem 7-5 6-1 in Brisbane 1st round VAMOOOOOS! https://t.co/Kn7vlVgsir
HE'S BACKβ πͺπΈ @RafaelNadal has made a winning return to the singles court, defeating Dominic Thiem, 7-5 6-1, in an all-Grand Slam champion clash in Brisbane. πͺ It was Nadal's first singles match in 349 days, since last year's Australian Open. He underwent hip surgery in June:
BACK WITH A BANG πͺ @RafaelNadal produces a magnificent display to beat Thiem in his first match back on tour! #BrisbaneInternational https://t.co/rv1Hv1WY9i
π΅ Guess who's back, back again? RAFA'S back, tell a friend π΅ Superb performance from Rafa Nadal against Thiem! First match in almost 12 months β π #BrisbaneTennis https://t.co/b4JEjOMjWC
Lovely backhand pass from Rafa to break Thiem! #BrisbaneTennis https://t.co/Nxa6uvMwi9
"He's pushed it long!" π Rafael Nadal takes the first set in a tight, high-quality Brisbane battle with Austrian Dominic Thiem... https://t.co/1Yuo3ZM91W
Set one to Rafa!! Nadal earns the first break of the match to take a 7-5 lead against Thiem. #BrisbaneTennis https://t.co/JaBEPamWwI
Nadal breaks and takes the first set 7-5 vs. Thiem in Brisbane. Needed 4 SPs. Serving great, didn't face a break point. Thiem playing well too, only faced BPs in the last game.
Rafa into the lead! @RafaelNadal takes the opener 7-5 vs Thiem at #BrisbaneTennis https://t.co/DDo3WInIfp
A joy to watch! π @RafaelNadal takes the opener 7-5 over Thiem. @BrisbaneTennis | #BrisbaneTennis https://t.co/IhGraMTP2G
The volley was great. But the reaction was even better π€© @RafaelNadal #BrisbaneTennis https://t.co/V2FloWxgaT
Rafael Nadal began his first singles match in almost a year at the Brisbane International Tuesday against Dominic Thiem, kickstarting what could be the Spaniard's farewell season. #AFPSports β‘οΈ https://t.co/tgPPv1R4z1 https://t.co/r9VMOI8hTY
"That is amazing" π€© Great start for @RafaelNadal π₯ @BrisbaneTennis | #BrisbaneTennis https://t.co/AjuuGTXhlq
πππππππ ππππ @RafaelNadal @BrisbaneTennis | #BrisbaneTennis https://t.co/agOD2TQBYe
Rafa Nadal: sidelined from tennis for almost a year Also Rafa Nadal: hits a trademark forehand winner in his first point back in singles β‘οΈ @RafaelNadal #BrisbaneTennis https://t.co/qcsElyFpQT
After 349 days, 22-time Grand Slam champion Rafael Nadal plays a singles match. 1st round in Brisbane underway against fellow Slam champ Dominic Thiem! https://t.co/LxFtTa52OR
Rafa RETURNS! π₯ The Spaniard is dancing with excitement ahead of his match against Dominic Thiem, and so are we! Watch the action from Brisbane, live on Sky Sports Main Event and Mix now ππΎ https://t.co/7TiIwRaWtV
RAFAAAAAA IS BACK! Nadal vs. Thiem starts now β‘οΈ https://t.co/tPoe44TDv0 #BrisbaneTennis https://t.co/rzgdZ8rv08
THIS IS NOT A DRILLπ¨ @RafaelNadal is ready πͺ @BrisbaneTennis | #BrisbaneTennis https://t.co/hpbe6rSDpk
HE'S BACK! π Rafael Nadal (π₯ @TennisTV) https://t.co/JFUmzp9nw4
The moment we've all been waiting for! After nearly a year away from tennis, @RafaelNadal is back in singles action π #BrisbaneTennis https://t.co/rUIZs5Yg7H
RAFA. IS. BACK. π€© @BrisbaneTennis | #BrisbaneTennis | @RafaelNadal https://t.co/uUFmgUXjGQ
Watch Nadal vs. Thiem live from Brisbane tonight right here β€΅οΈ https://t.co/5EmSQEKnZH
Rafael Nadal To Return Tuesday In Brisbane Against Dominic Thiem! https://t.co/l3g5YtentS
A tough battle in Brisbane to start the year but the No.2 seed @GrigorDimitrov gets it done! #BrisbaneTennis https://t.co/zi6cx1tTNu
Full of entertainment πΏ @GrigorDimitrov from a set down gets the better of Murray 4-6, 7-5, 6-2! @BrisbaneTennis | #BrisbaneTennis https://t.co/JhHkgLCIzB
Broken strings, no worries π A remarkable smash from @GrigorDimitrov π₯ #BrisbaneTennis https://t.co/4r4cIkEfWC
Watching this on repeat π #BrisbaneTennis @GrigorDimitrov https://t.co/mrSCKsABWP
Brisbane R1 preview and prediction: Nadal vs. Thiem https://t.co/l79XYltQB6
Welcome back, @RafaelNadal. π Welcome back, Olympic champion. πΎπ₯ https://t.co/1ipeMAaK87
All smiles regardless of result π @RafaelNadal #BrisbaneTennis https://t.co/fPhUUj0yOK
π₯ Thiem vs Nadal π₯ This is what the draw has decided for Rafael Nadal's big return in a tournament in Brisbane! Incredible isn't it? https://t.co/J9x63SC6SE
Can't stop smiling out there π€ @RafaelNadal #BrisbaneTennis https://t.co/Kht5QQXNLh
Backhand beauty π€© @BrisbaneTennis | #BrisbaneTennis | @RafaelNadal https://t.co/yMWcHMpUzK
Welcome back, @RafaelNadal π @BrisbaneTennis | #BrisbaneTennis https://t.co/zD435tR0mA
HE'S BACK!!! Watch @RafaelNadal's first match in almost a year at #BrisbaneTennis live now: https://t.co/hOHmv2wMlX https://t.co/oZMQqvzViz