Rafael Nadal happy with ''positive start" in Abu Dhabi ahead of Australia 

Rafael Nadal fell, 6-3, 7-5, to Andy Murray in his first match at the Abu Dhabi exhibition, but he's counting just getting back on court as a victory. It was his first public appearance on court since the ATP event in Washington D.C. five months ago and just his second since the French Open.

"It’s just a positive start. I played even better than what I thought a few weeks ago," said the 35-year-old, who has been off the tour with a recurring foot injury that recently required surgery.

Nadal was happy with his physical level against Murray, but noted it would take more matches to get used to playing under pressure again.

"I need to recover again some things that when you’re under competition come automatically," he said.

The Spaniard has mostly been rehabbing and training at his island home during his layoff, and had not even played any practice sets when he arrived at Abu Dhabi this week.

''I played zero of these matches. I just did exercises and something more under control to try and make the normal evolution for the foot," he said.

He also had some positive comments about Murray—a longtime friendly rival who like Nadal—has been attempting to return from injury problems. Murray, 34, had hip resurfacing surgery in 2019.

"I'm super happy to see Andy playing at this very high level," said Nadal. "It seems like he’s able to play more often now with less limitation."

On Saturday, Nadal was defeated by Denis Shapovalov in a third set champions tiebreak 6-7, 6-3, 10-6. He will now go to Melbourne for an ATP 250 event before the Australian Open.

Nadal is No. 8 in the rankings.