Updated On: 03 January, 2024 07:01 AM IST | Brisbane | AFP
The 37-year-old Spaniard had not played singles since a second-round loss at the Australian Open last year, undergoing two rounds of hip surgery

Rafael Nadal returns to Dominic Thiem during yesterday’s first round match in Brisbane. Pic/AFP
Rafael Nadal won his first match back from a year-long injury layoff when he beat former US Open champion Dominic Thiem at the Brisbane International on Tuesday, calling it an “emotional and important day.”
The 22-time Grand Slam winner looked in superb touch with a clinical 7-5, 6-1 victory over the Austrian in front of a full house at Pat Rafter Arena.