Melbourne, Jan 9: Rafael Nadal marked his return to the ATP Tour in style, clinching the Melbourne Summer Set title on Sunday.
The Spaniard defeated the American qualifier Maxime Cressy 7-6(6), 6-3 to win his 89th ATP Tour singles title.
The world no.6 Nadal returned to court for the first time since August 2021, when a foot injury had curtailed his season. Nadal showed little signs of rustiness but did not drop a set at the ATP 250 event.
“I feel privileged and a very lucky guy to be here again. I am coming back from some challenging moments in terms of injuries, so I can’t be happier. It means a lot to be back and with a trophy in my hands,” said Nadal during the trophy ceremony.
Meanwhile, Simona Halep won her 23rd WTA singles title and first in Australia at the Melbourne Summer Set 1. The Romanian and second seed outclassed 6-2, 6-3 third seed Veronika Kudermetova of Russia in the final.
Amanda Anisimova of the United States clinched her second career WTA singles title in a three-set thriller final at Melbourne Summer Set 2 after defeating 7-5, 1-6, 6-4 Belarusian qualifier Aliaksandra Sasnovich.
