Tennis-Nadal roars to victory over Thiem in Brisbane singles comeback

FILE PHOTO: Tennis - Australian Open - Melbourne Park, Melbourne, Australia - January 18, 2023 Spain's Rafael Nadal in action during his second round match against Mackenzie Mcdonald of the U.S. REUTERS/Loren Elliott//File Photo

BRISBANE (Reuters) -Rafa Nadal marked his singles comeback after being out injured for nearly a year with a convincing 7-5 6-1 victory over Austrian former world number three Dominic Thiem in the Brisbane International first round on Tuesday.

The 22-times Grand Slam champion had arthroscopic surgery last June after injuring his left hip flexor during his second round defeat by Mackenzie McDonald at the Australian Open in early 2023.