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Rafael Nadal Roars Back With 'Emotional And Important' Win Over Dominic Thiem In Brisbane International

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. He will now play Jason Kubler in the second round after the Australian wildcard progressed when Aslan Karatsev was forced to withdraw injured with the scores locked at one set apiece. 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 impresses in 'emotional' comeback match in Brisbane

It took all of one point to gauge Rafael Nadal's level on his long-awaited comeback to tournament tennis.

Rafael Nadal marks return with dominant win over Dominic Thiem at the Brisbane International

Rafael Nadal returned from his year-long injury absence with a bang by winning an engrossing first-round battle with Dominic Thiem at the Brisbane International.

Nadal returns with win in Brisbane in 1st competitive singles match in a year

The longest time off tour in his professional career made Rafael Nadal much more nervous than usual ahead of his first competitive match in almost 12 months.

Rafael Nadal wins first competitive singles match in a year - ESPN

BRISBANE, Australia — The longest time off tour in his professional career made Rafael Nadal much more nervous than usual ahead of his first competitive match in almost 12 months.

Nadal roars back with 'emotional and important' win over Thiem

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".

Watch: Poisonous Snake Stops Dominic Thiem's Match At Brisbane International. This Happens Next

Dominic Thiem's Brisbane International qualifying match against Australian James McCabe was suspended for 40 minutes on Saturday after a poisonous snake slithered courtside. McCabe had just wrapped up the first set 6-2 against the Austrian 2020 US Open champion when the reptile -- reportedly an eastern brown snake -- was spotted among electrical wires on the side of the court in front of spectators. Play was halted until a snake catcher arrived and managed to tease it into a bag. Eastern browns are capable of delivering a potent bite and their venom can result in progressive paralysis and uncontrollable bleeding, according to the website of the Australian Museum.

Andy Murray Reveals 2024 Could Be His Last On Tour

Two-time Wimbledon champion Andy Murray said 2024 could be his final year before retirement after illness and injury hampered his preparation for the new season. Murray's year will begin at the Brisbane International as he builds up for the Australian Open later in January. The 36-year-old is ranked 42nd in the world after a frustrating end to 2023, when he won just one match in his last four tournaments. Murray has previously battled back from what seemed impending retirement after undergoing hip surgery in 2018.

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Rafael Nadal Roars Back With 'Emotional And Important' Win Over Dominic Thiem In Brisbane International

Rafael Nadal impresses in 'emotional' comeback match in Brisbane

Rafael Nadal marks return with dominant win over Dominic Thiem at the Brisbane International

Nadal returns with win in Brisbane in 1st competitive singles match in a year

Rafael Nadal wins first competitive singles match in a year - ESPN

Nadal roars back with 'emotional and important' win over Thiem

Watch: Poisonous Snake Stops Dominic Thiem's Match At Brisbane International. This Happens Next

Andy Murray Reveals 2024 Could Be His Last On Tour