2024-01-02 12:20:22
11:16
Nadal breaks entry!! (7-5, 2-0)
Thiem makes two big mistakes on the forehand to give Nadal a first opportunity to break. The Spaniard sends a perfect backhand cross pass to go in front.
11:11
Nadal restarts well (7-5, 1-0)
New shutout for “Rafa” who has only lost 3 points since the start of the match on his serve.
11:06
The best part of the set in video
A little gift to start the year off right.
11:04
Nadal takes the lead, 7-5!
On a gross forehand error, Nadal won the first set after a very good last game. The Spaniard made a very good impression.
11:03
One more !
The forehand passing is perfect for Nadal along the line. Fourth set ball!
11:02
Third set ball
The noose tightens for Thiem who cracks with his second double fault of the set at the worst moment. Third opportunity to conclude the round for “Rafa”. It’s well saved with a winning service.
11:01
New opportunity for Rafa!
Still decisive on the backhand side, Nadal offers himself a second set point.
10:59
Did they see Nadal!
Very solid in forehand offset, Nadal cracks Thiem to get a set point. In the process, the Spaniard misses the opportunity by firing his passing shot into the net. Damage.
10:56
First opportunity for Nadal, 0-30
At the best of times, the Spaniard tightens the game and surprises Thiem with a winning backhand cross. Be careful, danger for the Austrian. 0-30!!
10:55
Nadal does Rafa, 6-5
New forehand “lasso” for the Spaniard who signs another shutout. We are heading straight towards a tie-break.
10:51
Nadal not yet settled on the return, 5-5
The Spaniard always skates in return of service. Too short, too long, in the net… It’s the perfect symbol of his lack of rhythm. Thiem takes advantage and concludes his game with a forehand missile, 5-5.
10:47
First ace for Nadal, 5-4
First service game a little more complicated for “Rafa” who releases his first ace at the best time. 5-4.
10:45
Nadal pushes Thiem!!
A second exceptional consecutive point. Well lobbed by Nadal, Thiem puts on a show with a tweener (between the legs). “Rafa” responds by sending another winning forehand. Stunning ! 40-15.
10:44
What a volley from Nadal!
“Rafa” offers himself a superb cushioned backhand shot to conclude a high-flying point. 15-15.
10:41
Thiem responds, 4-4
Still offensive behind his serve, the Austrian picks up at 4-4. Nadal is still shy on the return, and commits another fault on the backhand.
10:36
Nadal encore impeccable, 4-3
Third shutout already for the Spaniard. Nadal makes Thiem work a lot on the backhand side. The Austrian is making multiple mistakes for the moment.
10:32
Balanced start to the match, 3-3
Nadal is still fishing a little on the return side. No break opportunity for the Spaniard.
10:28
Nadal safe on his serve, 3-2
The Spaniard has only lost one point on his faceoffs so far. A half-volley passing allows him to keep the lead, 3-2.
10:24
Thiem makes Nadal run, 2-2
This is already the third drop attempt attempted by the Austrian at the start of the match. Thiem looks like he wants to test the Spaniard. It’s a win for now, 2-2.
10:23
Clenched fist for Nadal
The Spaniard has not lost any of his motivation either. After a big point won on a new winning shot, “Rafa” gets back to 40-30 on the opposing service and shakes his fist towards the public.
10:19
Routines have not changed
The bottles, the napkin, the mannerisms before serving… Rafael Nadal has lost nothing.
10:19
Premier « hot-shot » pour Nadal, 2-1 !
On a well-slipped drop shot by Thiem, the Spaniard covers his ground perfectly to surprise the Austrian with a short cross. Second shutout in a row for Nadal.
10:15
Thiem recolle, 1-1
Already a second big winning forehand sent by “Rafa”. The arm is there for the Spaniard, but Thiem responds with an ace to pick up the score.
10:11
White game to start, 1-0!
No problem starting the match on serve for Nadal, who is already showing intensity.
10:09
Premier point, premier lasso !
Here we go for this match. “Rafa” sends a first forehand winner along the line to get off to a good start!
10:07
More discreet return for Cilic
As Nadal and Thiem warm up in Brisbane, another former Grand Slam winner made his return after more than six months without playing. Marin Cilic is currently on court in Honk Kong against world number 25 Jan-Lennard Struff.
10:01
Nadal acclaimed for his arrival on the court
The more than 5,000 spectators present in Brisbane on the center court warmly applauded the Spaniard for his entry.
09:53
Full stands in Brisbane
Australian fans flocked to Pat Rafter Arena, which was already full before the start of the match. It’s almost 7 p.m. local time. The two men will enter the court in the following minutes.
09:45
Facing Thiem, a dream poster to start with
Rafael Nadal faces one of his former greats for his return: Dominic Thiem. The two men have already faced each other 15 times for a record in favor of the Spaniard (9-6). The Austrian, winner of the 2020 US Open, twice finalist at Roland Garros (twice against “Rafa”), is no longer at his best level, but maintains exceptional ball striking. Ranked 98th in the world, Thiem came out of qualifying and has therefore already started his season with two victories.
09:35
A first farewell to Brisbane?
Back from injury at 37, after a year without playing, is the Spaniard starting his farewell tour in Brisbane? “It is obvious that the percentage (of chance) is high that this will be the last time that I play here in Australia,” replied the main person concerned at a press conference. But if I’m here next year, don’t tell me: You said this would be your last season, because I didn’t say it! »
09:25
First steps with a double smile
For his first appearance in official competition in almost a year, the Spaniard lost in doubles in Brisbane with his compatriot and coach Marc Lopez. Without any apparent physical concern, and with a smile.
09:15
09:05
Hello and happy new year to all of you !
Our best wishes for this year which promises to be more sporty than ever. And to start it off right, a little tennis, Rafael Nadal is making his comeback on the courts. Follow his first steps in Brisbane with us, after a year away from the field.
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