Quiet winner of the modest 104th world Ricardas Berankis (6-2, 7-5) for his comeback to singles competition Thursday in the 2nd round of the ATP 250 tournament in Melbourne, Rafael Nadal had not played in competition since August 5 last due to an injury to the left foot.
The Mallorcan had tested positive for Covid-19 after the Abu Dhabi exhibition in December, where he had lost his two matches.
In the next round, the former world number one will face the Australian Alexei Popyrin or the Dutch Tallon Griekspoor.
