Rafael Nadal has successfully navigated through his injury challenges, making a triumphant return to competitive tennis after a 349-day hiatus. Throughout this period, Rafa worked tirelessly to stage a comeback, relaunching his career against Dominic Thiem in Brisbane. Displaying notable confidence, he greeted the crowd with a smile and wave before going on to defeat his opponent in straight sets (7-5, 6-1).
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Wow…Rafa looked amazing! He is ready for maybe another historical come back! What a treat for Rafa’s fans. I’m in seventh heaven!
Wow what a sign to the little world of tennis!! Didn’t really have the believe the he could win vs Dominik Thiem, as he has the court practice. What a joy and a reminder to me to restart all my Apps and paytv to be again part of the tennis live events!!
My New Year’s present! Rafa has got to be in my world, the most inspirational person ever… It’s almost like he had not been missing for the past year when you see him perform like the way he did. And yet we Nadal fans know very well that he was not performing.
Now to add all his other traits… probably run out of space. Be well and keep on keeping on. We adore you ❤️
He’s backkkkkkk!! The feeling of watching Rafa play again was so fantastic…Great first match! Solid! And the beat goes on….
VAMOS RAFA!!!
Nice one, champ.
We witnessed the reason why Rafa is so exciting to watch. Considering it’s his first singles match back, his movement and shot making impressed me a lot. Harder battles to come, but today’s performance bodes well….
Still remember we used to cheer every match together here lorna
Wow!! He’s looking and playing great! Knew I’d missed him all year and he showed us why. Exciting tennis only he can pull off. There’s no one like him!! Really like Dominic Thiem, he’s a lovely guy and gave Rafa a good workout. Vamps Rafa!!
Not a bad performance by a guy who is rank rank outside 650 ! This Nadal-kid future looks bright!😉
Rafa was fantastic..he played with such intensity…am so so happy to see him play again. We his fans are so excited to see his next match..OUR HERO IS BACK. Long may we be honoured to see him play many matches..Vamos my Champion.🇪🇦🇪🇦🇪🇦☘☘☘☘
VAMOS RAFA!!!!!!
Well done Rafa, it’s so good to see you back , I have missed seeing you on the court . I’m so happy that was a great win over Dominic xx
First victory of the season…congratulations Rafa 👍👏
Wow, what a start of the year❤️
So happy to see Rafa back on the court.
Enjoy the moment, champ.
Feels and looks like you were never away, Rafa!
So happy for everyone who loves you – your family, your team, us your adoring fans but most especially for you and the love you’ll always have for tennis.
Rafael Nadal is simply unreal. He has made so many comebacks from so many injuries, and when he does come back, he seems to never be much worse than he previously was. And this is even taking his advancing age into consideration. Many other great players, including good friend Roger Federer and Juan Martin Del Potro, tried to do the same thing with a much lesser number of injuries, but they never quite captured the same form that they previously had. Great win, Rafa, against one who is no pushover, Dominic Thiem. All the best to you in your coming matches! Vamos!
Pour Bebe Rafa❤️🔥 Welcome back, campeon Rafael Nadal. You are pure inspiration. What a way to usher in the New Year-thank you for showing us resilience and a huge ❤️Stay healthy and Happy 2024 to you and the family.
Go Rafa and how glad we are to have you back. I had a few tears – felt very emotional to see him playing again.
Oh wow, how great to have Rafa back! He played really well although Thiem’s level dropped in the second set. The incredible crowd support meant so much to Rafa. Welcome back indeed!
Welcome back champ! How you were missed!!
Awesome first set