Ovation for Rafa Nadal: he returns and wins after a year’s stop

Hype for Rafa Nadal: returns and wins after a year’s stop

Everyone on their feet applauding Rafael Nadal: the Spanish tennis player è returned to the court after a 350-day stop and beat former Austrian Top 10 Dominic Thiem in his Brisbane tournament debut. The Spanish player immediately dispelled doubts about his physical condition, securing an important and rather clear victory against a former Slam winner.

Thiem è was folded in two sets 7-5, 6-1 by the 37-year-old star, hailed by the Australian audience. Nadal showed classy strokes and good responsiveness, proving that he is already in good shape ahead of the Australian Open.

At the end of the match Nadal è could not hold back his joy at the victory, the culmination of months of rehabilitation and physical preparation following the injury and operations. The 6,000 spectators at the Pat Rafter Arena in Brisbane gave him a standing ovation at the end of the match.

Also in the stands were dadà Sebastià and wife Xisca, as well as one of the Spaniard’s opponents, Holger Rune. Nadal è appeared very usual on serve, and after a balanced first partial he overwhelmed Thiem in the second.