Rafael Nadal handed blockbuster Brisbane International draw against a familiar rival

Ewan West 31 Dec 2023 9:17 AM

Rafael Nadal during a practice session in Brisbane

Rafael Nadal will face former rival Dominic Thiem in the first singles match of his comeback at the 2024 Brisbane International in what promises to be a fascinating clash to start the new season.

The great Spaniard knew he would play a qualifier after the draw was made on Saturday and he has now learned he will take on by far the biggest name possible.

Nadal and Thiem will face off in the opening round of the ATP 250 tournament, with the winner to play either Aslan Karatsev or Jason Kubler.

Thiem saved three match point to come from 2-6, 3-5, 0-40 down to edge world No 272 James McCabe in his first round qualifying match.

The 30-year-old Austrian then recovered after losing the first set again as he overcame world No 135 Giulio Zeppieri 3-6, 6-4, 6-4 on Sunday to qualify for the main draw.

The former world No 3 is currently ranked 98th after enduring a difficult period since 2020 due to a loss of motivation and a damaging wrist injury he suffered in 2021.

Nadal has faced 2020 US Open champion Thiem 15 times – six of which came at Grand Slams – with their encounters coming between 2014 and 2020.

The Spaniard holds a 9-6 head-to-head advantage and notably defeated the Austrian in the 2018 and 2019 French Open finals, while he also won an epic five-set 2018 US Open quarter-final.

Thiem won the pair’s two most recent meetings in the quarter-finals of the Australian Open and the semi-finals of the ATP Finals – both in 2020.

Nadal has not competed since sustaining a hip injury in his second round loss to Mackenzie McDonald at the 2023 Australian Open in January. The 37-year-old underwent surgery to address the issue in June, having initially expected to be out for around six to eight weeks.

The former world No 1 was forced to abandon his intended comeback during this year’s clay-court season and missed Roland Garros for the first time since 2004.

The Mallorcan won his 22nd and most recent title at the 2022 French Open, where he defeated Casper Ruud in a straight-set final to claim a record-extending 14th crown.

Following Brisbane, both Nadal and Thiem are set to compete at the 2024 Australian Open, which will run from January 14-28.

Nadal is in doubles action alongside partner Marc Lopez against Australian duo Max Purcell and Jordan Thompson in Brisbane on Sunday.