via Reuters
Tennis – Australian Open – Melbourne Park, Melbourne, Australia – January 28, 2022 Spain’s Rafael Nadal reacts during his semi final match against Italy’s Matteo Berrettini REUTERS/Morgan Sette
via Reuters
Tennis – Australian Open – Melbourne Park, Melbourne, Australia – January 28, 2022 Spain’s Rafael Nadal reacts during his semi final match against Italy’s Matteo Berrettini REUTERS/Morgan Sette
The tennis world is all set to witness the most anticipated comeback in history. Rafael Nadal, after being out on the sidelines for almost a year, is finally ready to be a part of the action. While fans carried several questions in mind about his return, the curiosity of knowing his welcoming singles opponent stood on top.
The Brisbane International is already kicking the action as players gather around for the qualifiers. While fans were counting down numbers to see Nadal back on the court, the moment is finally here. As the charts unveiled, Rafa’s first singles opponent’s name recently popped out.
Rafael Nadal’s first singles opponent announced
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Tennis legend Rafael Nadal is all set to make his first singles appearance after a hiatus of almost a year, with fans counting every hour getting close to the moment. The draw for the Brisbane International has revealed that Nadal’s opening face-off will be against none other than Dominic Thiem, who has been an old friend to the Spaniard.
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BREAKING: Rafael Nadal will play his first singles match in almost a year in Brisbane round 1 against… Dominic Thiem.
Rematch of two Roland Garros finals won by Nadal.
Rafa leads the h2h 9-6, Dominic won the last two (in 2020). pic.twitter.com/L6a4sj47tL
— José Morgado (@josemorgado) December 31, 2023
The Spaniard carries a 9-6 head-to-head advantage over Thiem. However, the Austrian holds the last wins in their last two encounters in 2020. As Nadal paves his way back to the court after a long absence, it remains to be seen if the legend will be able to take the Austrian down and move ahead to the upcoming rounds.
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Nadal’s prolonged friendship with Thiem
As tennis fans eagerly wait for the Brisbane showdown between Rafael Nadal and Dominic Thiem, it is obvious to remember their long-built friendship. On being asked about Rafa, Thiem shared his thoughts for admiration along with highlighting his friendship that goes beyond the tennis courts.
“With him, I have delivered the most duels, delivered my most epic matches to date. My rivalry with Rafa on clay is unique to me because there has never been a better player on this surface,” Thiem mentioned, expressing his admiration for the stronghold of Rafa on clay courts.
However, besides competition, the Austrian tennis star also opened up about Nadal as a person, regarding him as a “nice, nice guy.” As the stage is being set for an amazing face-off between two friends, it still remains to be seen who emerges victorious.
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