Spanish tennis icon Rafael Nadal lost his first match following a 12-month injury layoff in the Brisbane International on Sunday.
The 37-year-old's anticipated return ended in defeat when he and doubles partner Marc Lopez lost to Jordan Thompson and Max Purcell.
The Australian duo were able to grab a two-set 6-4, 6-4 win at the Pat Rafter Arena.
Despite looking sharp and moving comfortably, the veteran Spaniard could not get a positive result.
Nadal is set to begin his singles quest on Tuesday when he takes on former US Open champion Dominic Thiem of Austria.
