Rafael Nadal Draws Qualifier At Comeback Tournament In Brisbane
Rafael Nadal avoided meeting a seed first up at his comeback tournament after drawing a qualifier in the Brisbane International, with Russia's Aslan Karatsev a potential second-round opponent. The 37-year-old Spaniard has been out of the game for almost 12 months following hip surgery after the 2023 Australian Open in January. It was feared that Nadal, the winner of 22 Grand Slam singles titles, would never play professionally again. However, he has fought his way back and was granted a wildcard to the season-opening Brisbane International in preparation for the first Grand Slam of the year at Melbourne Park beginning January 14.
