Nadal makes winning return

Rafael Nadals tender knees passed their first test when the Spaniard returned to action on Monday in a doubles win at the Montreal Masters.

Rafael Nadals tender knees passed their first test when the Spaniard returned to action on Monday in a doubles win at the Montreal Masters. Sidelined for more than two months with tendonitis in both knees,Nadal looked fighting fit as he teamed up with coach Francisco Roig to beat Serbian duo Novak Djokovic and Dusan Vemic 7-5 6-4.

Its great to be back and I had a lot of fun playing with Francisco, Nadal told reporters. A win is a win and doubles is fun and important so I am happy about the way it went today. I am really looking forward to playing singles on Wednesday.

It was a positive first step in what is expected to be a testing comeback for the 23-year-old Spaniard,who opens the defence of his Montreal crown with a second round clash against either compatriot David Ferrer or Serb Viktor Troicki.

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Nadal is playing in his first event since being stunned in the fourth round of the French Open on May 31.

Clijsters makes strong comeback

Kim Clijsters made a stunning return to tennis after a two-year absence when she beat world number 13 Marion Bartoli of France 6-4 6-3 in the first round of the Cincinnati Open on Monday. The former world number one,who gave birth to her first child in February of last year,outplayed the former Wimbledon runner-up in one hour,22 minutes.

To have won my first match feels really good, Clijsters said in a courtside interview. I surprised myself a little with the way I started and then I kept fighting and trying to stay focused. I felt good out there.