Rafael Nadal‘s comeback after almost a year out injured following hip surgery and extended rehabilitation continued on Thursday with a classy 6-1, 6-2 win over Australia’s Jason Kubler in the Brisbane International – but there was one setback for the 37 year-old Spaniard. After taking a break between sets, Nadal received a warning for a time violation from the umpire. He shrugged the incident off though and joked about it after the match at his courtside interview. “I think it was something strange because I know I have five minutes,” Nadal said. “Honestly, Brisbane is very humid and I had to change every single piece [of clothing].” He then added: “I am slow. I know that and I’m going to keep trying to improve in 2024” to laughter and applause from the crowd.
