“An emotional and important day after one of the most difficult periods of my career” – Nadal

Spanish tennis player Rafael Nadal spoke about his first singles match after almost a year away from the tour due to injury, emphasizing that the day of the first match after the break was very important and emotional for him.

On Tuesday, Nadal reached the second round of the ATP 250 tournament in Brisbane, Australia, defeating Austrian Dominic Thiem – 7: 5, 6: 1. The 37-year-old Spaniard played his first singles match in almost ‘a year. The Spaniard played his final singles match at the 2023 Australian Open on January 18. Due to injury, Nadal missed almost all of last season. In his first match since his return on December 31, Nadal and compatriot Marc Lopez lost to Australians Max Purcell and Jordan Thompson in the first round of the Brisbane doubles tournament.

“To be honest, today is an emotional and important day for me after, without a doubt, one of the most difficult periods of my tennis career.

I was lucky enough to come back a year later and play in front of an incredible audience. I think I played at a very good level on the first day. This is probably something that me, my team and my family would be proud of. They have been there every day for a year.

I think the first set was very balanced. Dominic and I serve well. I know he’s also going through a tough time with injuries, so I’m happy to see him on the pitch and wish him good luck for the season.

I missed being healthy. I missed the feeling of being competitive and playing in front of full stands. My whole career here in Australia has been incredible for me, so I can’t help but thank everyone,” Nadal told the Brisbane tournament website.

Previously, Nadal said that with a high probability, the 2024 season would be the last of his career.

Nadal is a 22-time Grand Slam winner. According to this indicator, among the players on the ATP circuit, he is just behind the Serbian Novak Djokovic (24 years old).