Rafael Nadal clinched a 7-5, 6-1 victory over fellow Grand Slam champion Dominic Thiem, marking a triumphant return to tennis following a nearly year-long hiatus prompted by a potentially career-ending hip injury.

In a remarkable display of skill and determination at the Brisbane International, a sporting legend delivered an unparalleled performance in a comeback that, as acknowledged by Nadal himself, was shrouded in uncertainty.

Nadal expressed that this victory was particularly emotional, considering a career that boasts 22 Grand Slam titles and over 90 singles championships.

"Today is an emotional and important day for me after one of the toughest years of my tennis career,"

"The support [from fans] is super important to me especially in the low moments. I received thousands of messages during the year."

Nadal's comeback was met with unequivocal adoration from tennis enthusiasts, evident in the standing ovation he received post-victory.

Greeted by a resounding applause from the Pat Rafter Arena crowd, the 37-year-old Spanish tennis icon wasted no time in signaling his determined return.

In the match's inaugural point, Nadal unleashed a signature forehand that elegantly kissed the corner of the baseline, securing a decisive winner.

Thiem could only watch and acknowledge, powerless to respond. That remarkable shot established the rhythm as the pair of grand slam champions smoothly held their serves in the early exchanges.

Amidst an exchange of formidable power shots from both competitors, it was Nadal's pursuit of a delicate Thiem drop shot, culminating in a perfectly executed angled forehand winner, that ignited the crowd's excitement in the third game as the Spaniard secured a hold for 2-1.

Securing triumph, the 22-time slam champion claimed the initial nine points on his service game, only to face a setback when a net cord caused his routine backhand to overshoot.

Throughout the initial set, Thiem's extended and graceful backhand proved to be a match for Nadal's forehand in cross-court exchanges.

The set unfolded with a prevailing theme of serving dominance, with neither player encountering a break point until the 12th game of the match. Thiem, serving to stay in the set, thwarted three set points through a blend of powerful serves and baseline prowess before ultimately sending a forehand long, conceding the opening set 7-5 to the Spanish wildcard.

Nadal strolled to his chair, exuding the confidence he's displayed countless times. Bolstered by his newfound assurance, Nadal smoothly held his serve once more. However, a double fault and wayward forehands from Thiem placed him in jeopardy of conceding another break point.

Nadal seized the opportunity with a blistering backhand pass, securing a 7-5, 3-0 lead after consolidating with a love-hold in his subsequent service game.

Nadal's stronghold remained impervious, thwarting Thiem's attempts to create a break point. Despite Thiem's usual prowess as an elite returner, Nadal dominated, winning nearly 90 percent of points on his serve. The match concluded with Nadal securing a 7-5, 6-1 victory, met with a standing ovation, and he expressed particular satisfaction with his serving performance.

"I was very comfortable and then I was able to have that break at 6-5 and that makes the difference," he added "I know Dominic has been going through some hard times with injury as well and I wish him well for the season."

In the following round, Nadal is set to face Australian Jason Kubler, who secured a spot in the second round through a wildcard entry. Kubler found himself at a 6-4, 6-7 (4-7) stalemate in his initial match on Tuesday night when Russian player Aslan Karatsev surprisingly retired with an injury after claiming the second set.

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