Rafael Nadal has given an emotional speech after powering his way to victory over Dominic Thiem on Tuesday morning.
The Spaniard was making his first singles appearance since last year, having been plagued by injuries over the past 12 months.
Nadal impressed on his comeback, however, beating Thiem 7-5, 6-1 in an hour and 29 minutes.
The former world No 1, who has also won 22 Grand Slams, was delighted by the result.
Rafael Nadal has spoken out after beating Dominic Thiem on his return to tennis
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And Nadal admitted he was 'emotional' after consigning Thiem to defeat, admitting it's been a tough year and he was relieved to be coming out the other side.
"Today is honestly an emotional and important day for me after probably one of the toughest years of my tennis career without a doubt," he said.
“To have the chance to come back after a year and play in front of an amazing crowd and play at a very positive level is something that probably makes us feel proud – myself, all the team, family that have been there every single day during the last year.
“I missed being healthy, I missed feeling myself competitive and playing in front of full crowds like this.
“Things went well and I’m excited to be back again tomorrow.”
Nadal will now face Australian wildcard Jason Kubler in the second match of the tournament.
And though he's on a high now, the veteran has warned fans he's still unsure how well he can play going forward.
“The support is super important, especially in the low moments," added the 37-year-old.
“I had the chance to receive thousands of messages during all of this year and having great people next to me every single day makes the difference without a doubt.
“I don’t have a real test about how the level was, I have been too long outside. The first set was very equal, both us serving very well.
“Then I was able to have that break at 6-5, so that makes the difference.
“I know Dominic has been going through some hard times with injuries too.
"So I’m happy to see him on court and I wish him all the very best for the season.”
Nadal also believes it'll take him time to rediscover his mojo after so long on the sidelines.
And staying healthy is his priority, with Nadal expected to retire from tennis at the end of the year.
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Rafael Nadal was too strong for Dominic Thiem during their showdown on Tuesday morning
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“The first thing, and I repeat it, is to stay healthy," he said in his post-match press conference.
“If I am able to stay healthy, I am able to practise at the level that I need to practise.
"If I'm able to play matches feeling myself ready to play the match, then the chances of being competitive in a [short] period of time are much higher.
“If after tomorrow you go on court and you have problems, then the process is much tougher.
"For me the main thing is stay healthy.
Rafael Nadal is hoping to stay 'healthy' after his victory over Dominic Thiem
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"I really think that I didn't forget how to play tennis.
"The only thing that's going to be difficult to make it in a professional match and in a very high level of tennis.
"Because at the end, you need
