Rafael Nadal warmed up to his bid to win a 21st Grand Slam title at the Australian Open later this month by easing to the title at the Melbourne Summer Set ATP 250 event on Sunday. The 20-time Grand Slam champion defeated American Maxime Cressy, 7-6 (6), 6-3 in the final to lift the trophy at the Rod Laver Arena.

Nadal made a successful return to competitive action as the Melbourne Summer Set was his first tournament since August 2021 wherein a foot injury curtailed his 2021 season. However, the World No. 6 showed no signs of rustiness as he did not lose a set en route to the title in Melbourne.

It was Nadal’s 89th tour-level crown as the Spaniard saved a set point in the first set tie-break and rallied from a game down in the 2nd set against Cressy who was playing fearless high-voltage tennis in Melbourne ifni the final.

RAFA NADAL

Congratulations @RafaelNadal on your 89th @atptour singles title!#MelbourneTennis pic.twitter.com/jNZ5ojyO9v

— #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) January 9, 2022

Rafael Nadal said it felt great to return to action with a trophy in hand and thanked the Melbourne crowd which rallied behind him at the Rod Laver Arena.

“This court has always been very, very special for me,” Nadal said.

“The Rod Laver Arena is very, very special for everyone and it is more special because of you guys. You guys are a great crowd and I can’t thank you enough.

“I want to thank all the organisation here. I feel privileged and a very lucky guy to be here again.

“I am coming back from some challenging moments in terms of injuries, so I can’t be happier. It means a lot to be back and with a trophy in my hands,” he added.

Nadal will head into the Australian Open as one of the favourites even as doubts over World No. 1 and defending champion Novak Djokovic’s participation remains. Djokovic reached Melbourne last week but his visa to enter Australia was canceled with the government citing lack of evidence for medical exemption.

Djokovic, who has been held up in a quarantine facility in Melbourne, has challenged the cancellation of his visa ifni the court and a verdict is expected on Monday.