Rafael Nadal has made a successful return to professional tennis at the Brisbane International, playing his first singles match in 349 days on December 31st. The 22-time Grand Slam champion, who underwent hip surgery in June, secured a straight-sets victory over Dominic Thiem with a score of 7-5, 6-1. Prior to this singles match, Nadal and Marc Lopez competed in a doubles match but were defeated by Max Purcell and Jordan Thompson 6-4, 6-4. Continuing his comeback, Nadal dominated Jason Kubler 6-1, 6-2 to advance to the quarterfinals, marking his 225th tour-level quarterfinal and his first since Wimbledon 2022. His next opponent will be Jordan Thompson. Nadal's return has sparked enthusiasm among the tennis community, with fans and athletes alike showing their support.
#BrisbaneTennis #RafaelNadal #JasonKubler @RafaelNadal overpowers Kubler to reach Brisbane International quarters READ: https://t.co/fjI7pVtNlS https://t.co/KNj7ZjyVIh
"For me, every day that I have the chance to play is great news" ๐ Rafael Nadal on his continuing comeback as he progresses to the quarter-finals in Brisbane ๐ https://t.co/7oMJCkY3LE
Always striving to improve! ๐คฃ @RafaelNadal on receiving a time violation in Brisbane #BrisbaneTennis https://t.co/GZmBtQRQ0M
Rafa rolls on! โฉ๐ช๐ธ Rafael Nadal reaches the quarter-finals in Brisbane after a straight sets win over Jason Kubler ๐ https://t.co/K3DqFp1wy9
Rafa rolls on! โฉ๐ช๐ธ He reaches the quarter-finals in Brisbane after a straight sets win over Jason Kubler ๐ https://t.co/QUFg9XOKFU
Quarter-Finals Calling! ๐ค @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! ๏ฟฝ๏ฟฝ 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! โ๏ธ 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
๐ฝ๐จ๐ด๐ถ๐บ ๐ช @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! ๐ช๐พโคต๏ธ https://t.co/lAvNFwwyb3
AND THE COMEBACK CONTINUESโ ๐ช๐ธ @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. ๐ช It's the 225th tour-level quarterfinal of Rafa's career:
Like he never left ๐ฅ @RafaelNadal with a devastating display to defeat Kubler and reach the last 8 in Brisbane! #BrisbaneTennis https://t.co/ROyWfLQr8g
Rafael Nadal continues his comeback week in style, beats Jason Kubler 6-1, 6-2 to reach the QFs in Brisbane. 225th QF of his career, first since Wimbledon 2022. Faces Jordan Thompson tomorrow. https://t.co/gaqF4E2z70
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
"Rafael Nadal was a little bit late coming back from the toilet" ๐ @RafaelNadal with an unusual time violation in Brisbane! #BrisbaneTennis https://t.co/ELLGoQ6iez
Rafa with a no look smash ๐คฏ @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! ๐ @RafaelNadal races to a 6-1 lead over Kubler in Brisbane #BrisbaneTennis https://t.co/fO5gRonq3c
In charge ๐ซก @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! ๐ฑ 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! ๐คฉ @RafaelNadal #BrisbaneTennis https://t.co/XjVk9mn03O
Grip It & Rip It! ๐ @RafaelNadal #BrisbaneTennis https://t.co/NCT1LKpgHm
The comeback continues ๐ช Rafael Nadal faces Jason Kubler LIVE now on Sky Sports ๐พ๐บ https://t.co/GHM1tpiDTO
Lights, Cameras, RAFA! ๐คฉ 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
Early predictions? ๐ @RafaelNadal ๐ @JasonMKubler @BrisbaneTennis | #BrisbaneTennis https://t.co/klwLKwwid7
NADAL VS KUBLER LIVE NOW! Tune in ๐ค #BrisbaneTennis https://t.co/hCNo9NP7S3
Lights, camera, RAFA ๐คฉ Nadal and Kubler up next at #BrisbaneTennis Stream LIVE ๐ https://t.co/hOHmv2wMlX https://t.co/jKNruWwCwv
It is almost Rafa time in Brisbane ๐ Nadal will be stepping on court in less than 20 minutes to take on Kubler! Stream live โ> https://t.co/tPoe44Ubky https://t.co/lm5vQKZ1uS
Clinical โ๏ธ 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 ๐ฏ @GrigorDimitrov with the hops at #BrisbaneTennis! https://t.co/Zph5RytLVn
Dominant. After 28 minutes, @GrigorDimitrov takes the first set 6-1 against Altmaier ๐ช #BrisbaneTennis https://t.co/r9PGZyjze5
Watch Nadal vs. Kubler live from Brisbane tonight โคต๏ธโคต๏ธโคต๏ธโคต๏ธโคต๏ธ https://t.co/5EmSQEKnZH
"I still have this fire inside to be competitive." ๐ฅ @RafaelNadal's return to ATP Tour action after 12 months away could barely have been more impressive, but it came with hard work and determination! ๐ช https://t.co/voRXERm6Fo
RUNEEEEEEEE ๐คฏ @BrisbaneTennis | #BrisbaneTennis https://t.co/1WniWySevd
๐ Save the date! ๐พ On Thursday, catch the showdown between Rafa Nadal and Jason Kubler in the second round of Brisbane International 2024. โฐ For your local time, click here: โคต๏ธ https://t.co/0UTsBNfOfB
The forehands ๐พ The fist-pumps ๐ช The water bottles ๐ฆ @RafaelNadalโs return at the @BrisbaneTennis felt like old times, as the 37-year-old gave tennis a New Yearโs jolt ๐พ 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
Glad to have you back @RafaelNadal ๐ซถ https://t.co/vgMxde6EmK
Rafael Nadal makes a triumphant return in Brisbane, defeating Dominic Thiem in straight sets. #ATP https://t.co/ZV7Ue4xjko
โEmotionalโ 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
Is this the best way to start the new year? I think so!! @RafaelNadal is back!๐ซถ https://t.co/15aoNDJXjN
Rafael Nadal wins at Brisbane International on long-awaited return from injury https://t.co/KolaPOfbol
"That is not a statistic I was aware of" ๐ 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 ๐ #BrisbaneTennis https://t.co/qgzO3uSGGH
Rafa is back. Rafael Nadal makes winning return as he beats Dominic Thiem in straight sets at Brisbane International ๐ฅ๐ฅhttps://t.co/amZi7HNBJu
"I just feel proud" ๐ฅบ @RafaelNadal reflects on an emotional comeback win vs Thiem #BrisbaneTennis https://t.co/Q4mOyv32L7
He's back. @RafaelNadal https://t.co/zl9W8YVxK6
We've got our hero back! ๐ Rafael Nadal beats Dominic Thiem in his first competitive tennis match in almost a year, and what a performance it was ๐ฅ https://t.co/OctYVI4vAS
Game, set & match Nadal ๐ช๐ธ 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 ๐ช @RafaelNadal wins his first match after a 12-month absence from tennis ๐พ https://t.co/9bjKXO4uom
Back like he never left ๐ช @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! ๐ช 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 BACKโ ๐ช๐ธ @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. ๐ช 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 ๐ช @RafaelNadal produces a magnificent display to beat Thiem in his first match back on tour! #BrisbaneInternational https://t.co/rv1Hv1WY9i
๐ต Guess who's back, back again? RAFA'S back, tell a friend ๐ต Superb performance from Rafa Nadal against Thiem! First match in almost 12 months โ ๐ #BrisbaneTennis https://t.co/b4JEjOMjWC
Lovely backhand pass from Rafa to break Thiem! #BrisbaneTennis https://t.co/Nxa6uvMwi9
"He's pushed it long!" ๐ 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! ๐ @RafaelNadal takes the opener 7-5 over Thiem. @BrisbaneTennis | #BrisbaneTennis https://t.co/IhGraMTP2G
The volley was great. But the reaction was even better ๐คฉ @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 โก๏ธ https://t.co/tgPPv1R4z1 https://t.co/r9VMOI8hTY
"That is amazing" ๐คฉ Great start for @RafaelNadal ๐ฅ @BrisbaneTennis | #BrisbaneTennis https://t.co/AjuuGTXhlq
๐๐๐๐๐๐๐ ๐๐๐๐ @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 โก๏ธ @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! ๐ฅ 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 ๐๐พ https://t.co/7TiIwRaWtV
RAFAAAAAA IS BACK! Nadal vs. Thiem starts now โก๏ธ https://t.co/tPoe44TDv0 #BrisbaneTennis https://t.co/rzgdZ8rv08
THIS IS NOT A DRILL๐จ @RafaelNadal is ready ๐ช @BrisbaneTennis | #BrisbaneTennis https://t.co/hpbe6rSDpk
HE'S BACK! ๐ Rafael Nadal (๐ฅ @TennisTV) https://t.co/JFUmzp9nw4
Happy Rafa vs Domi day to all those who celebrate ๐ซถ Stream Nadal vs Thiem live in Brisbane: https://t.co/hOHmv2wMlX https://t.co/jiF27Ydjg8
The moment we've all been waiting for! After nearly a year away from tennis, @RafaelNadal is back in singles action ๐ #BrisbaneTennis https://t.co/rUIZs5Yg7H
RAFA. IS. BACK. ๐คฉ @BrisbaneTennis | #BrisbaneTennis | @RafaelNadal https://t.co/uUFmgUXjGQ
Watch Nadal vs. Thiem live from Brisbane tonight right here โคต๏ธ 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 ๐ฟ @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 ๐ A remarkable smash from @GrigorDimitrov ๐ฅ #BrisbaneTennis https://t.co/4r4cIkEfWC
That is cheeky ๐ #BrisbaneTennis @andy_murray https://t.co/bxLWINmScO
Watching this on repeat ๐ #BrisbaneTennis @GrigorDimitrov https://t.co/mrSCKsABWP
Brisbane. @RafaelNadalโs return. Ready to leave it all on the court once again. https://t.co/5UOTolnvcB
Rafael Nadal ๐ค Andy Murray On his own journey back from a hip injury, @RafaelNadal says @andy_murray's documented comeback is "a very positive example of passion." #BrisbaneTennis https://t.co/SyplP0zUq2
SO good to have you back competing, @RafaelNadal! ๐ Max Purcell and Jordan Thompson defeated Nadal and Marc Lopez, 6-4, 6-4, in Brisbane Sunday. https://t.co/rUmm2MzCYK
Brisbane R1 preview and prediction: Nadal vs. Thiem https://t.co/l79XYltQB6
Welcome back, @RafaelNadal. ๐ Welcome back, Olympic champion. ๐พ๐ฅ https://t.co/1ipeMAaK87
All smiles regardless of result ๐ @RafaelNadal #BrisbaneTennis https://t.co/fPhUUj0yOK
Reflexes on point โก๏ธ @RafaelNadal #BrisbaneTennis https://t.co/4N6kDE5aTM
๐ฅ Thiem vs Nadal ๐ฅ 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 ๐ค @RafaelNadal #BrisbaneTennis https://t.co/Kht5QQXNLh
Backhand beauty ๐คฉ @BrisbaneTennis | #BrisbaneTennis | @RafaelNadal https://t.co/yMWcHMpUzK
Welcome back, @RafaelNadal ๐ @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
Please welcome, from Spain: RAFAEL. NADAL! @RafaelNadal #BrisbaneTennis https://t.co/zGKJabkn8c
Y'all ready for this? ๐ @RafaelNadal returns to the ATP tour in Brisbane, facing @domithiem in a 16th meeting between the two! @BrisbaneTennis https://t.co/88G3yknyEh
BREAKING: Rafael Nadal will play his first singles match in almost a year in Brisbane round 1 against... Dominic Thiem. Rematch of two Roland Garros finals won by Nadal. Rafa leads the h2h 9-6, Dominic won the last two (in 2020). https://t.co/L6a4sj47tL
#Tennis #BrisbaneInternational #RafaelNadal leaves door open to playing beyond 2024 ๐พ @RafaelNadal said he did not know for sure what the future held Full Story ๐ https://t.co/zUcDj9DPqU https://t.co/hH4pRWkDyr
grand slams champs only ๐ ๐พ ๐ธ: @BrisbaneTennis https://t.co/pTpFfNIjWa
Former top 3 Dominic Thiem, who saved three match points in QR1, comes back again to beat Giulio Zeppieri 3-6, 6-4, 6-4 and qualify for the Brisbane ATP 250 main draw. Great effort. He is one of the players who can face Rafa Nadal on Tuesday. Draw later today. https://t.co/M3fXpC4yk1
RAFA IS BACKโผ๏ธ Are you ready? VAMOSโผ๏ธ ๐ฅ: @TennisTV https://t.co/TtjeXaPCUr
Guess who's back? Tomorrow, 22-time Grand Slam champion @RafaelNadal plays his first professional match in almost a year ๐ Watch live on Tennis TV: https://t.co/hOHmv2wMlX https://t.co/PrZPvHjoSU
Welcome back @RafaelNadal. Your strength and determination over the past year have been an inspiration. We canโt wait to see you in action again at the @BrisbaneTennis tournament on December 31st. #RichardMille https://t.co/1QarSSVmzq
๐พ Don't miss the action! โฐ What time is the showdown you've been waiting for? ๐ช๐ธ Rafael Nadal and Marc Lopez take on Max Purcell and Jordan Thompson in Brisbane Doubles R1. ๐ Check your local time! โคต๏ธ https://t.co/A83whalLSk
A practice of KINGS in Brisbane Nadal ๐ค Murray (๐ท @RafaelNadal) https://t.co/YVUMDhuW94
Rafa is back! ๐ช And he will return to action against a qualifier in the first round of @BrisbaneTennis ๐ @RafaelNadal | #BrisbaneTennis Read more ๐
A couple of legends having a hit ๐ @RafaelNadal ๐ค @andy_murray #BrisbaneTennis https://t.co/1C2RIXoK7s
The @BrisbaneTennis draws are out ๐ Who are @naomiosaka and @RafaelNadal's first opponents of their 2024 comebacks? ๐ฟ https://t.co/NuosdkVdQG
Nadal will face a qualifier in his first match back ๐ @RafaelNadal #BrisbaneTennis https://t.co/9BNL1wBJSg
๐พ Mark your calendars and clear your schedules because you wonโt want to miss a moment of Rafa #Nadalโs doubles and singles action at the Brisbane International! ๐๏ธโคต๏ธ https://t.co/DEgKQCGyrx
Back to work ๐ค @RafaelNadal https://t.co/Me8YvYSKpI
"I'm happy to be back on the tour and happy to be here in Brisbane after a few years." - @RafaelNadal https://t.co/iOq7Zm6J9k