January 4, 2024, 10:24 GMT
Updated 1 hour ago
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Rafael Nadal is playing his first singles event since undergoing left hip surgery in June
Rafael Nadal said: “Every day is an adventure” after reaching the quarter-finals of the Brisbane International following his return from a hip injury.
Playing only his second singles match after almost a year off, Nadal was in control in a 6-1, 6-2 victory over Australian Jason Kubler.
The Spaniard failed at the first attempt, securing a quick win and a place in the quarter-finals.
“I take every day as an opportunity, and tomorrow is another,” he said.
Nadal will play another Australian, Jordan Thompson, in the quarterfinals.
Wildcard Nadal is using the tournament to prepare for the Australian Open, which begins on January 14th in Melbourne.
He broke again in Kübler's second service game, and although the Australian showed some difficulty getting into the game at 5-1 and then forcing three break points in the following game, Nadal calmly saved the draw and served out the set.
“I started the match very well and with great determination,” said Nadal. “I tried to play aggressively from the baseline and I think that worked very well.”
“I think it was a very positive game for me. Two victories after a long time away from the professional tour make me feel good.”
The 22-time Grand Slam champion was given a time violation because he took too long to return from the toilet between sets, but that was as close to adversity as Nadal was at Pat Rafter Arena.
Kubler was love-broken in the first game of the second set and Nadal – whose strength and athleticism appear undiminished after hip surgery – walked untroubled to victory.
“The positive thing is that the first two games weren’t particularly long,” Nadal added.
“Of course I had some feelings after the first game. I haven't played with the excitement of a real game for a year, so I feel like some muscles are a little tired here and there.”
“Overall I felt good.”
The quarterfinal will be Nadal's first since Wimbledon in 2022.
Grigor Dimitrov is a possible semi-final opponent for Nadal after he recorded a 6-1, 6-2 victory over world number 56 Daniel Altmaier of Germany, following up a first-round win over Andy Murray.
Elsewhere, Britain's Liam Broady was beaten 6-4, 7-6 (10-8) by top seed Andrey Rublev in the round of 16 of the Hong Kong Open.
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