WATCH: Vintage Rafael Nadal Makes a Winning Return With Tweener, Sky Hook and More at Citi Open 2021

After the French Open semifinal loss, Spaniard Rafael Nadal has finally returned at the Citi Open 2021. And despite a two-month-long break, he is as competitive and creative as has he always has been.

Interestingly, it only took him four games in his opening match against Jack Sock to produce an exceptional rally. What’s more, is that Nadal even successfully executed a no-look tweener.

Afterwards, the Spaniard blistered a massive forehand, and the commentators hailed that Rafa is back. Without a doubt, his energy and competitiveness behind a point had been missing on the men’s tour. Here are some key moments of the match that Tennis TV uploaded.

We are NOT WORTHY

4th game of the match and @RafaelNadal gives us this to drool over…@CitiOpen pic.twitter.com/REekXJ4j9b

— Tennis TV (@TennisTV) August 4, 2021

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Rafael Nadal and Jack Sock engage in some brutal tennis at Citi Open 2021

Seemingly, the fourth game was only a start to what later became a toe-to-toe battle. Both Nadal and Sock hit some vintage winners, making it for a perfect late evening show in Washington, D.C.

Aug 3, 2021; Washington, DC, USA; Rafael Nadal of Spain hits a forehand during a practice session at the Citi Open at Rock Creek Park Tennis Center. Mandatory Credit: Scott Taetsch-USA TODAY Sports

Funnily enough, at 4-2, with Rafa a break ahead, Sock threw his racquet to reach the Spaniard’s drop shot. But certainly, one needs more than that to take down the 20-time Grand Slam champion.

Facing Rafa vibes

When you’re out of options…@CitiOpen pic.twitter.com/69cqAmvvm6

— Tennis TV (@TennisTV) August 5, 2021

Furthermore, the picturesque forehand from the hands of Nadal graced the court and fans in the American capital. All Sock could do was stand in awe as the ball passed him.

“Rafa is back, everyone!”

We’ll just use the commentator’s reaction for this one @RafaelNadal #CitiOpen pic.twitter.com/Cum0H0W0Pp

— Tennis TV (@TennisTV) August 5, 2021

Consequently, the 35-year-old took the opening set 6-2. Then, during the second set, the Spaniard again brought the American into a rally to shut him down afterwards. The reaction from Sock expressed everything Rafa was doing to him.

Just more ridiculous stuff from Rafa @RafaelNadal back to his very best…@CitiOpen pic.twitter.com/fAkSESXaA4

— Tennis TV (@TennisTV) August 5, 2021

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Sock goes toe-to-toe with Nadal in Washington, D.C

Even though Nadal dominated the long rallies, Sock too hanged in there in every single game. And it was only time a magical close-to-the-line winner came from him.

Jack Sock of Team World celebrates match point in his singles match against Fabio Fognini of Team Europe during Day One of the Laver Cup 2019 at Palexpo on September 20, 2019 in Geneva, Switzerland. (Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images for Laver Cup)

In response to that, the Spaniard gave Sock a taste of his vinatge engineering. First, Nadal invited him in a long rally and then simply closed it with a powerful cross-court backhand.

Vintage

Absorbing all the pace and pummeling the cross-court backhand just like old times…@RafaelNadal #CitiOpen pic.twitter.com/sdVJt0NAPV

— Tennis TV (@TennisTV) August 5, 2021

Following that, the 28-year-old American got his engine going and got a break in the second set. Unquestionably, Sock was determined to spoil Nadal’s return party at Citi Open 2021.

EPIC

Nadal and Sock are going the distance in DC tonight…@CitiOpen pic.twitter.com/OpIBoaaaOD

— Tennis TV (@TennisTV) August 5, 2021

However, in the third set, Nadal found his rhythm back and booked three consecutives games. Amid that, he even produced a sky hook, pleasing the audience to the core.

A skyhook from above

Just another WOW from @RafaelNadal #CitiOpen pic.twitter.com/dmYI5at4uU

— Tennis TV (@TennisTV) August 5, 2021

Interestingly, Sock dragged Nadal until the final set tiebreaker but could not get past that. As a result, the Spaniard booked his sixth consecutive win over him, keeping the record clean. The final score: 6-2, 4-6, 7-6(1).

WOW-ing in Washington @RafaelNadal was made to work on his DC debut but gets it done against Sock 6-2 4-6 7-6 in a nighttime epic!#CitiOpen pic.twitter.com/lbfwcMxx1F

— Tennis TV (@TennisTV) August 5, 2021

Next up, Nadal will face Llyod Harris from South Africa. Can he go on to win the Citi Open 2021 title on his debut?

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