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Rafael Nadal practiced with his old rival Andy Murray on Saturday at the Brisbane International.
Nadal, a 22-time Grand Slam champion, and former world No. 1 Murray are both starting the season in Brisbane. Nadal, 37, is set to make his return to competitive action in Brisbane after being out since the 2023 Australian Open.
On the other side, Murray withdrew from Stockholm and the Davis Cup Finals after losing in the Paris Masters first round in late October. In late 2023, Murray was dealing with a shoulder injury but he is ready to start the 2024 in time in Brisbane.
"Thanks @andy_murray form a great practice today. All the best for the tournament my friend @BrisbaneTennis," Nadal wrote on X after his practice with Murray.
Murray responded to Nadal's post: "Thanks for the opportunity to be back on the court with you..Good luck with the comeback."
Thanks for the opportunity to be back on the court with you..Good luck with the comeback 💪 https://t.co/ZzmvTMhHUD
— Andy Murray (@andy_murray) December 30, 2023
Old rivals Nadal, Murray practice together in Brisbane
37-year-old Nadal and 36-year-old Murray have been competing against each other for nearly two decades. Since their first meeting in 2007, Nadal and Murray have met 24 times - the Spaniard has won 17 of their 24 meetings.
Meanwhile, both Nadal and Murray have learned their places in the Brisbane main draw. Nadal, who received a main draw wildcard into Brisbane, will be starting his campaign against a qualifier or lucky loser. On the other side, Murray received a pretty tough opening matchup as the three-time Grand Slam champion is taking on No. 2 seed Grigor Dimitrov.
In Brisbane, Nadal is set to make his second appearance. In 2017, Nadal was a quarterfinalist in his Brisbane debut.
On the other side, Murray is a more familiar place in Brisbane, having played there three times already. Murray has also had success in Brisbane as he won back-to-back titles at the tournament in 2012 and 2013.
It remains to be seen how well can Nadal and Murray do in Brisbane this year.