Rafael Nadal continues fine form on comeback with emphatic win over Jason Kubler at Brisbane International

Updated 04/01/2024 at 15:26 GMT

Rafael Nadal has wasted no time in getting into his rhythm following his long-awaited return to tennis. The Spaniard stormed to another impressive victory over Australian Jason Kubler in the second round of the Brisbane International. After securing a win over Dominic Thiem in his first singles match since his comeback on New Year's Day, Nadal continued his fine form with a straight sets win.

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Rafael Nadal continued his winning return to tennis with an emphatic victory over Jason Kubler in the second round of the Brisbane International on Thursday.

After securing a thrilling victory over Dominic Thiem on his return to singles action, the Spaniard stormed to a 6-1 6-2 win over Kubler in a match which lasted 83 minutes.

The 37-year-old has now booked his place into the quarter-finals of the tournament where he will face Australian Jordan Thompson.

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Nadal had been out of singles action for almost a year with a hip injury that required surgery before taking to the court in Australia.

"I think I started the match playing very well, with a very good determination," Nadal said in his on-court interview. "I saw videos of Jason before the match and I saw him playing very solidly from the baseline, so I came on court and tried to be aggressive with my shots from the baseline.

"It worked very well. I think it was a very positive match for me and the chance to play again tomorrow means a lot to me. Two victories after a long time being outside of the professional tour is something that makes me feel good.”

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Nadal has now claimed wins in 10 of his previous 11 tour-level matches against Australian opponents.

"I need matches, I need health, I need to keep practising well and of course the past two matches here help, and even the doubles on the first day," Nadal added.

"Of course, victories and hours spent on court help. For me, every day that I have the chance to play is great news, so I’m just happy for that, happy that I came back after a long time and feel competitive. Let’s see how far I can go."

In his first career meeting against Kubler, Nadal got off to a flying start by winning 12 of the first 13 points.

The highlight of the match came in the first set where Nadal produced a stunning no-look backhand smash to bring the fans to their feet and see him go 4-0 up.

Kubler struggled to find an answer for the Spaniard and he also needed treatment from the physio due to an apparent injury to his right arm.

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Nadal went on to claim the opening set having only dropped just five points on serve.

The Spaniard continued to dominate in the second set with his third break in the match coming in the opening game.

Nadal then saved a break point from Kubler to go 3-1 up before recovering from 40-15 down to break the Australian once again, before wrapping up his straight sets victory.