Rafael Nadal’s impressive comeback from an extended break has taken him to the quarterfinals in Brisbane

When Rafael Nadal faced a challenging situation with three break points while serving for the first set, a spectator in the crowd at the Brisbane International shouted encouraging words to his opponent, Jason Kubler. However, Nadal quickly regrouped, winning the next five points to secure the set. He went on to break Kubler’s serve at love in the second set and comfortably held his own serve, ultimately winning the match 6-1, 6-2 and securing a spot in the quarterfinals.

Nadal, a 22-time major winner, is making a remarkable comeback after a year-long injury layoff. His ranking had dropped to the 600s due to his recovery from hip surgery, and he is eager to gain match experience before the Australian Open later this month. He emphasized the importance of practicing adversity and regaining his mental and muscle memory for challenging game situations.

In his first competitive match since January of the previous year, Nadal defeated 2020 U.S. Open champion Dominic Thiem. He expressed his joy and satisfaction at securing two victories after such a long break from professional tennis.

Nadal’s performance against Kubler was convincing, with 20 winners and only eight unforced errors. He showcased his powerful groundstrokes, dominant serve, and agility on the court. Despite a warning for a time violation, Nadal remained focused and determined.

Nadal’s next opponent in the quarterfinals is Jordan Thompson, another Australian player. Nadal’s successful return to competitive tennis is a promising sign for his fans, and he continues to impress with his skills and resilience.