So at last the news that all Rafael Nadal fans have been waiting for: Rafa has returned and is back to winning ways.

Nadal teamed up with coach and fellow Spaniard Francisco Roig to defeat the Serbian pairing of Novak Djokovic and Dusan Vemic. The relief was clear to see as Rafa walked off court as he was not sure how he was going to perform.

In a statement after the match Rafa said he was happy to be back playing and that he had fun out on court but also stressed that he needed more time to improve and get back to top form.

Up next for Rafa was a singles match against David Ferrer, who unfortunately had to retire after just seven games with a left knee injury; ironic as Rafa was returning from his own knee troubles. Rafa was out for 2 and a half months with tendonitis in both knees.

Up next is German Phillip Petzschener who beat Tommy Robredo 7/6, 7/6. Although Rafa has ruled himself out as a possible winner of the tournament, I for one will not be surprised if he proves himself wrong.