Rafa Nadal wins comeback match after long absence due to injury

Rafael Nadal is finally back on tennis courts. The Spanish tennis player made his awaited return at the Brisbane International, where he played against Austrian player Dominic Thiem, defeating him in a singles match by 7-5, 6-1. Rafa Nadal’s five most lucrative businessesWATCH: Rafael Nadal sends positive Christmas wishes to followersThe match marked Nadal’s return to tennis in 349 days.

“Today is honestly an emotional and important day for me after probably one of the toughest years of my tennis career,” said Nadal following the match. “I had the chance to come back after a year and play in front of an amazing crowd and play at a very positive level on the first day, [It] is something that makes us feel proud - my team and family who have been there every day in the last year.”Nadal shared an emotional post on Instagram, where he reminisced about the past year and about the tough work it took to get to this moment and this win. “There’s been a lot of effort and work to come back.

Anything could have happened in a day like today after such a long time without playing a professional tennis match. I am happy with the way it all went,” he wrote, sharing some pictures of the match. “Nothing has changed with regards of what I have been saying lately: This is one step and still there is a long way to go.

The first match in almost a year that went well quite honestly, but it’s only a match. Important that I am healthy and stayed healthy throughout the match. And my goal is to keep enjoying!”A post shared by Rafa Nadal (@rafaelnadal)It’s an emotional time for Nadal, who’s contending with multiple decisions.