Home hope Bernard Tomic continued his promising form ahead of the Australian Open by overcoming Kei Nishikori to set up a Brisbane International semi-final against big-serving Canadian Milos Raonic.
Nadal to make tour return at Brisbane International
At the Hong Kong Tennis Open, top-seeded Andrey Rublev of Russia pocketed his 15th career title with a 6-4, 6-4 win over Finland's Emil Ruusuvuori.
Here is a quick glance of all the highs and lows from Nadal's stupendous career:
Rafael Nadal said a MRI scan had shown a micro tear on a muscle.
The Spaniard, who has slipped to world number 672, said he was feeling much better than a year ago but added that he cannot have long-term goals just yet.
Naomi Osaka gears up for return hoping to inspire daughter Shai
Naomi Osaka's return a boost for women's tour, says Mouratoglou
Local favourite Thompson saved three match points before prevailing 5-7, 7-6 (6), 6-3 against Nadal, who was playing his first tournament after nearly a year out with a hip injury.
Three contenders for the women's singles title at the Australian Open.
Nadal expresses doubt over Australian Open participation
Coco Gauff battled past Elina Svitolina in the Auckland Classic final on Sunday to retain her title.
'I believe I'm in a different moment, in a separate situation and in an unexplored terrain.'
India's Yuki Bhambri and his Dutch partner Robin Haase squandered three match points in the deciding set to go down against Nicolas Barrientos of Colombia and Rafael Matos of Brazil in the Australian Open men's doubles first round in Melbourne on Tuesday.
Defending champion Novak Djokovic will bid for a record-extending 11th title at Melbourne Park and 25th Grand Slam crown overall.
Naomi Osaka said ahead of the Qatar Open that the only way was up from here.
Rafa Nadal returned to action for the first time since January at the Brisbane International on Sunday, losing his doubles match but overall showing no obvious after-effects of the hip injury that ruined his year.
US Open champion Coco Gauff cruised past fellow teen Brenda Fruhvirtova 6-3 6-0 at the Auckland Classic on Thursday, setting up a quarter-final against Varvara Gracheva in the Australian Open warm-up event.
Indian tennis star Sania Mirza began the 2015 season and her partnership with Su-Wei Hsieh with a hard fought 7-5, 6-3 win over Jarmila Gajdosova and Ajla Tomljanovic, in Brisbane on Tuesday.
Osaka will take plenty of positives out of the contest
Former US Open champion Dominic Thiem huffed and puffed his way into the main draw of the Brisbane International on Saturday, but not before a hissing intruder slithered onto the court and briefly halted play.
Yuan broke Stephens when the American was serving for the match at 6-5. Stephens led 5-4 in the tie-break but could not hold on to her advantage and crashed out.
Djokovic etched his name in history by clinching a record 24 Grand Slam titles
Three contenders for the men's singles title at the Australian Open, which starts on Sunday.
Dominic Thiem, U.S. Open winner in 2020, has secured a place in the main draw of the Australian Open after the withdrawal of Reilly Opelka, the tournament organisers confirmed on Friday.
Hurkacz, Swiatek win as Poland march into United Cup final
The Belarusian became the first woman since her compatriot Victoria Azarenka in 2013 to retain the title
Novak Djokovic will prepare for a tilt at an 11th Australian Open title by representing Serbia at the United Cup mixed team tournament while old rival Rafael Nadal and former women's world number one Naomi Osaka return at Brisbane after time away.
Rafael Nadal looked razor sharp again during his latest meeting with qualifier Thiem
World No 1 Iga Swiatek overcame a strong early challenge from former champion Sofia Kenin to reach the second round of the Australian Open
Screaming at their box, hitting aces, all the ways players want to raise money to contribute to the relief work for the bushfires.
Japan's Kei Nishikori overcame Daniil Medvedev in the Brisbane International final on Sunday for his first ATP title in nearly three years and the 12th of his career.
Rafael Nadal announced on Sunday that he would be opening his 18th season as a professional at the Brisbane International in January.
Her doubles partner, Bethanie-Mattek Sands now wears the 'Miss World No.1 crown'
Maria Sharapova will return to tournament action at the Brisbane International next month
Australian Open tournament director Craig Tiley confirmed on Wednesday that the 2008 champion will receive a wildcard entry into the main singles draw for the tournament, which starts in Melbourne on January 20.
Damian Torrie held up a sign and yelled out "Marry me Maria Sharapova?" during her first match, which encouraged a chorus of laughs around Pat Rafter Arena, News.com.au reported.
The 6-2, 2-6, 6-3 win at the Pat Rafter arena was the 25-year-old's first in four attempts against world number five Nishikori and will boost his confidence ahead of the Australian Open, which starts on January 16 in Melbourne.
Czech Karolina Pliskova crushed Frenchwoman Alize Cornet 6-0, 6-3 with a barrage of winners to win the Brisbane International title on Saturday and signal her intent for this month's Australian Open.
David Ferrer sent local favourite Bernard Tomic packing with an easy 6-3, 7-5 win in the opening round of the Brisbane International on Monday.
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