Spanish tennis star Rafael Nadal has made a stunning comeback to the court after being on the sidelines for almost a year.
The 22-time Grand Slam champion sustained the injury at Melbourne Park in January last year and also underwent surgery in June.
Nadal began his much-needed Australian Open warm-up in flawless fashion couple of days back, defeating former US Open champion Dominic Thiem in straight sets at the Brisbane International.
The 38-year-old continued his impeccable form today as well as he eased past Australia’s Jason Kubler 6-1, 6-2.
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Earlier, Nadal down title expectations in what could be his final season on tour.
"It's impossible to think about winning tournaments today," Nadal told Australian Associated Press on Friday. "What's really possible is to enjoy the comeback. I don't expect much... one year without being on the court."
The Spaniard, who has dropped to world number 672, feels he is in better shape than a year ago but didn’t commit to long-term goals just yet.
"I don't know how things are going to keep going," Nadal said. "I'm not a player who tries to predict what can happen in the short term and it's tougher in the medium period of time.
"I need to accept the adversity and that it's not going to be perfect, just come with the right spirit every day."
It must be noted that the Australian Open runs from January 14-28.