22-time Major champion Rafael Nadal is set to make his comeback in a highly anticipated match against Dominic Thiem, who ranked 98th in the world – has come through qualifying to make the main draw.
Date: January 2, 2024
Match time: Not before 6:30 PM AEST local time / 3:30 AM EST – New York, Montreal / 8:30 AM GMT – United Kingdom / 9:30 AM CET – Spain, France, Germany, Italy. To convert to your local time, use this website.
Venue: Pat Rafter Arena
This will be their 16th meeting, with Rafa currently leading the series 9-6. Their last clash occurred at the 2020 ATP Finals, where Domi secured a victory in two tie-breaks.
Rafa’s only hardcourt win over Domi came in the 2018 US Open quarterfinals in a fifth-set tiebreak, where the Austrian came within two points of victory.
Domi’s notable achievements last season included reaching the final in Kitzbuhel, where he fell to Sebastian Baez. Additionally, the former Roland Garros finalist reached several semifinals on both the ATP Tour and Challenger Tour.
For Spanish viewers, Rafa’s return will be screened live on Movistar with Tennis Channel the rightsholder for the United States. Sky Sports will show the match live in the United Kingdom with Australian viewers able to catch the action on beIN Sports. For most of the world, live streaming is available on the subscription channel Tennis TV. A full list of worldwide broadcasters for the ATP 250 Brisbane International can be found here.
GOOD LUCK & VAMOS RAFA!
Oh god, another tie-break
Carlos next play is AO open directly.. I think he has some back problem, carefully skips tournaments to take rest and shine in slams. Good advice from Coach & Team..
Enjoy the moment, Rafa. It will be exhilarating to see you and Thiem; you are both greatly
respected👏💪🤛👍🍀🎾❤️
Good luck Rafa, I’m already so nervous, just like before every one of your matches…🫣
Hope you’ll play a good match, win or lose (of course it’ll be much better if you win😊).
VAAAMOOOSSSSS!!!!!!💪🏻
Me too! Go Rafa!! Been waiting what seems like years for his return.
How I long to see my champ in a serious note, vamps my champ my 2024 will be the best ever
Good luck and Vamos Rafa❤️
I watched Rafa in his practice match against Domi – so intense. Both were hitting the cover off the ball, but I was particularly impressed by Rafa’s sharpness, movement and ball striking, considering he’s been out of action for so long. I hope he brings the same to his match on Tuesday. Good luck champ!
Staarting the year with Rafa makes me very happy!
Thanks
Looking forward to this one. I believe Rafa needs a good test of his mettle in a first round encounter. Some may disagree and prefer it be a nobody but I just so, so, so want to see Rafa pushed to the limit and come through. I believe it will ultimately serve him well for upcoming encounters.
I prefer it someone else… So he can have few matches.. This is going to be a tough one, hope Rafa prevails
Yeah. Same, about Rafa prevailing.
The more I think about it, the more I get in two minds. Thiem or a nobody, Thiem or a nobody?
I’m sticking by my guns and saying that although Thiem will be tough, Rafa needs to let the world know that he’s back. Especially after the pretty poor doubles match. How many winners did Rafa hit, like two? I mean from the back of the court and not an easy volley that anyone could make. Even me, with my knackered back. I used to play competitive badminton, don’t you know. That’s what knackered my back. God damn you badminton.