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“He’s been improving for the last couple of years, and he’s been able to create more damage upon the opponents now than before, that’s my opinion, I think since last year.
“I don’t have the whole information here to have a real analysis of the situation, but I see Alex as the best one today. Nick is not playing, so that’s how I see it.
“I have to play a tough opponent (Thompson) who is able to serve very well and is very solid from the baseline, and he knows how to go to the net too.
“That will be an important test for me, I hope I am ready to play good tennis again. Let’s see.”
Australia’s top 100 players and best grand slam efforts
Alex de Minaur (world No.12)
- Australian Open – fourth round (2022, 2023)
- French Open – second round (2019, 2021, 2023)
- Wimbledon – fourth round (2022)
- US Open – quarterfinals (2020)
Alexei Popyrin (world No.43)
- Australian Open – third round (2019, 2020, 2023)
- French Open – second round (2019)
- Wimbledon – second round (2019)
- US Open – third round (2019, 2021)
Max Purcell (world No.45)
- Australian Open – first round (2020, 2023)
- French Open – second round (2023)
- Wimbledon – first round (2022, 2023)
- US Open – first round (2021, 2023)
Jordan Thompson (world No.48)
- Australian Open – second round (2017, 2019, 2020)
- French Open – third round (2019)
- Wimbledon – third round (2021)
- US Open – fourth round (2020)
Aleksandar Vukic (world No.61)
- Australian Open – second round (2022)
- French Open – first round (2020)
- Wimbledon – second round (2023)
- US Open – first round (2023)
Thanasi Kokkinakis (world No.67)
- Australian Open – second round (2014, 2015, 2021, 2023)
- French Open – third round (2015, 2023)
- Wimbledon – second round (2022)
- US Open – second round (2019)
Rinky Hijikata (world No.69)
- Australian Open – second round (2023)
- French Open – qualifying one (2023)
- Wimbeldon – qualifying three (2022)
- US Open – fourth round (2023)
Chris O’Connell (world No.70)
- Australian Open – third round (2022)
- French Open – first round (2021, 2022, 2023)
- Wimbledon – third round (2023)
- US Open – second round (2020, 2023)
James Duckworth (world No.96)
- Australian Open – second round (2012, 2013, 2015, 2021)
- French Open – second round (2021)
- Wimbledon – third round (2021)
- US Open – second round (2016, 2022)
Nadal was quick to dispel any initial fears over his ability to withstand the rigours of back-to-back clashes on his comeback tour, showing no ill effects or fatigue in his demolition of Kubler.
While in his opening round against Dominic Thiem – his first contest following career-threatening hip surgery – he needed to fight to find his feet, the 37-year-old declared “the hip is not bothering me at all”.
Rafael Nadal looked sensational as he took down Jason Kubler on Thursday night at the Brisbane International.Credit: Getty Images
Kubler could have been forgiven for early jitters as he faced the biggest test of his life on court.
The Brisbane product gifted Nadal three break points with his first service game, courtesy of a double fault, a volley into the net and a long forehand.
Nadal hardly needed an invitation to power home his first clinical winner to make the break.
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At times Kubler sought to fight. Needing to save two break points down 3-0, he salvaged two chances to close out the game, bravely taking on the line and attempting to mix up his game with deft drop shots.
But after fending off both threats, Nadal went pure vintage.
A brutal cross court backhand signalled break point. A piece of magic – a backhand smash behind his body – sealed another game.
Down 5-0, Kubler received treatment on his right arm, however any genuine physical issues were seemingly put to bed as he served out his first game, before suddenly earning three break points.
Yet what Nadal may lack in match fitness, he made up for with a level of composure and class honed after nearly two decades spent being one of tennis’ greats – saving all three and closing out the set.
Jason Kubler plays a shot in his match against Rafael Nadal.Credit: AP
Even as Kubler showed stronger signs on serve in the second set, and earned another break point down 2-1, he could not threaten his seasoned rival.
After his victory over Thiem, Nadal reasoned he remained unsure how competitive he could be, having not partaken in the constant recovery and back-up nature of the professional circuit.
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Now, the 22-time grand slam champion has confirmed he held no concerns over his injury-plagued physique.
“The positive thing is the first two matches haven’t been super long, of course I had some feeling after the first match, I’ve been a year without playing with the tension of a real match,” Nadal said.
“I felt a little bit, some muscles were tired here and there, but I felt good. The hip is not bothering me at all, so that’s super important for me.
“For the moment, I’m able to move myself with no limitations.”
