Rafael Nadal wins first match back from year-long injury

Spanish tennis player Rafael Nadal won his first match on Tuesday after an injury kept him away for one year, AFP reported.

The 22-time Grand Slam winner walked out victorious from his match with Austria’s Dominic Thiem at the Brisbane International.

Nadal said after the match that this to him is an “emotional and important day.”

“To have the chance to come back after a year and play in front of an amazing crowd, and play I think at a very positive level for the first day is something that makes us feel proud,” he added.

Nadal is now set to face Jason Kubler in what might be his farewell season.

The 37-year-old player sustained an injury last year which resulted in two hip surgeries and a year away from the tennis courts.