Rafael Nadal made his comeback to action for the first time since January at the Brisbane International on Sunday. He lost his doubles match but didn't show any obvious after-effects of the hip injury that disrupted his year.
The 22-time Grand Slam champion, preparing for the January 14th-28th Australian Open, suffered the hip issue during his second-round defeat at Melbourne Park earlier in 2023. This injury led to an early end to his season after undergoing surgery in June.
Nadal reunited with retired veteran Marc Lopez, his partner in winning an Olympic gold medal in 2016, for his return. However, the duo was defeated 6-4, 6-4 by Australians Max Purcell and Jordan Thompson in a crowded Pat Rafter Arena.
"It's great to see Rafa back," said Thompson. "I've been on the receiving end a couple of times in singles, so it's nice to get him back on a doubles court."
He received a warm reception from fans who waved Spanish flags and showed their support with messages, but the loudest cheers came when he executed his trademark whipped shots and a powerful crosscourt backhand winner in the first set.
Nadal is expected to receive a similar welcome in his first singles match on Tuesday against qualifier Dominic Thiem, whom he defeated in the 2018 and 2019 French Open finals and holds a 9-6 win-loss record against.
Former women's world number one Naomi Osaka will also return after her maternity break when she faces Tamara Korpatsch on Monday.
The 26-year-old Japanese player last competed on the tour in September 2022 and welcomed her first child, daughter Shai, in July.
Former US Open champion Sloane Stephens started her campaign well by defeating Katerina Siniakova 7-5 6-3, while Camila Giorgi had a tough match but managed to overcome Peyton Stearns 5-7 6-2 6-3.
Russian 16-year-old Mirra Andreeva also progressed to the second round with a 6-2 6-3 victory over Diana Shnaider.
