‘Let’s see how far I can go’: Rafael Nadal faces another local challenger after taking down Jason Kubler in stunning win

Rafael Nadal has returned from injury in ominous form, but there’s an Aussie standing in his way hoping to end the comeback tour earlier than expected.

Rafael Nadal’s comeback from injury rolled on with another ruthless win at the Brisbane International. Picture: Patrick Hamilton / AFP

The Rafael Nadal comeback tour continues on Friday night with the Spanish legend looking to eliminate another Aussie in Brisbane after he breezed past Jason Kubler in straight sets on Thursday to reach the quarter-finals.

The 22-time grand slam winner is showing no signs of rust in his first tournament in almost 12 months after a hip injury suffered at last year’s Australian Open wiped out his entire 2023 campaign.

It took just 83 minutes for Nadal to overcome Kubler 6-1 6-2 in hot and humid conditions, with the Spaniard producing a stunning overhead backhand volley to wow the crowd.

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— Brisbane International (@BrisbaneTennis) January 4, 2024

“I think I started the match playing very well, with a very good determination,” he said after the match.

“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.”

The win sets up a final eight showdown with Australia’s Jordan Thompson, with the pair to meet in prime time on Pat Rafter Arena after Ugo Humbert withdrew from the round of 16 match.

It’ll give Nadal crucial match practice ahead of the Australian Open, which starts later this month, although Thompson – one of three local hopes still alive on the men’s side of the draw – is fresh and ready to cause the upset.

Rafael Nadal is in ominous form ahead of what could be his final Australian Open. Picture: Patrick Hamilton / AFP

“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 said.

“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.”

Meanwhile, top seeds Aryna Sabalenka and Elena Rybakina fired warning shots to their rivals, with the pair dropping a combined two games to progress to the quarters.