Tennis Update: Rafael Nadal Faces Defeat in Doubles Return at Brisbane International

Rafael Nadal made his first appearance since January at the Brisbane International on Sunday, where he played a doubles match. Although he lost, there were no evident signs of the hip injury that had disrupted his season. Nadal, a 22-time Grand Slam winner, suffered the injury in Melbourne Park earlier in the year and underwent surgery in June, cutting his season short.

Teaming up with Olympic gold medalist and retired partner Marc Lopez, Nadal returned but faced a 6-4 6-4 defeat against Australians Max Purcell and Jordan Thompson at the crowded Pat Rafter Arena. Thompson expressed his pleasure at seeing Nadal back on the court.

The 37-year-old Spaniard received a warm reception from fans, with cheers for his signature shots and a striking backhand winner in the first set. Nadal is set to play his singles opener against Dominic Thiem, a qualifier, on Tuesday. Nadal has previously beaten Thiem in the 2018 and 2019 French Open finals and holds a 9-6 win-loss record against him.

In other news, former women’s world number one Naomi Osaka is set for her return following a maternity break, facing Tamara Korpatsch on Monday. Osaka, who last played in September 2022, welcomed her first child in July.

Sloane Stephens, a former U.S. Open champion, started her campaign successfully with a 7-5 6-3 victory over Katerina Siniakova. Camila Giorgi overcame a challenging match against Peyton Stearns, winning 5-7 6-2 6-3.

Additionally, 16-year-old Russian Mirra Andreeva advanced to the second round with a 6-2 6-3 win over Diana Shnaider.