By Erik Gudris | Friday, September 26, 2014
Rafael Nadal is back on a tennis court after spending several months on the sidelines this summer.
The reigning French Open champion took part in an exhibition match against France's Jo-Wilfried Tsonga held in the Kazakhstan capital of Astana.
Though losing the first set, Nadal went on to beat the Frenchman 6-7(2), 6-3, 6-4.
Nadal later posted this message on Twitter about his return.
After losing to Nick Kyrgios in the fourth round of Wimbledon, Nadal suffered a wrist injury while practicing at home in Spain. That injury eventually forced the Spaniard out of the summer hard court swing including the US Open where he was defending champion. He is next scheduled to compete at the upcoming China Open in Beijing.
Prior to his trip to Asia, Nadal also weighed in on the recent announcement of Gala Leon Garcia as Spain's new Davis Cup coach.
Before traveling to play in Kazakhstan, Nadal told reporters he found Leon Garcia's selection "strange" but had "maximum respect" for her. Nadal also thought other former players should have been considered for the job by saying, "There have been many players with very great career that have not yet been captains."
Referring to the Spanish Tennis Federation president who made the decision to pick Leon Garcia, Nadal said to Marca.com, "He is the president and has the right to do so, has made this decision, and I will not be the one to say anything against it."
Toni Nadal, Rafael Nadal's uncle and coach, sparked controversy after his remarks regarding the appointment. He criticized the decision in a radio interview primarily because Leon Garcia is a woman.
(Photo Credit: AP)