WATCH: Rafael Nadal’s reaction at time violation after being “four seconds late” from toilet break

“Time violation warning, Rafael Nadal.” And with that, the Spaniard’s comeback is officially on at the Brisbane International this week, after Nadal received a familiar penalty at the Brisbane International on Thursday.

As Nadal raced past Australia’s Jason Kubler in a 6-1, 6-2 round of 16 rout, he found himself struggling in Brisbane’s summer heat and took a toilet break to swap out his kit after the opening set. Five minutes later, the 37-year-old could be seen returning to court and sprinting to his chair with his court bag in tow, but it was too late.

It was actually about four seconds too late, according to the chair umpire, forcing him to give a bemused Nadal a time violation warning.

“I think it was something strange. Because I know I have five minutes, and honestly… Brisbane is very humid,” Nadal said in an interview after the match, earning a round of laughter from the crowd. “I had to change every single piece… it takes a while!

“In the walkie-talkie, they were calling me: Three minutes, two minutes, one minute, half minute. I came out at the right time, but I don’t know if the guy who was with me there [told me] a few seconds later.

“[The chair umpire] told me I was four seconds late. I thought I was on time, honestly! … But I am slow, I know that! I am going to keep trying to improve in 2024.”

While the 37-year-old took his warning in stride, it’s no surprise that Nadal may be a little rusty with his kit changes considering that he’s competing in his first tournament since the Australian Open last January. Nadal struggled with a hip injury throughout 2023 and was sidelined for almost the entire season between rest, surgery and rehab.

He’s enjoying a smooth return to action in Brisbane, where he’s through to the quarterfinals to face another Aussie in Jordan Thompson next. It’ll be their second meeting of the season, after Thompson partnered with countryman Max Purcell to defeat Nadal and fellow Spaniard Marc Lopez 6-4, 6-4 in doubles on Sunday.

“I need matches, I need health, I need to keep practicing well,” Nadal said. “Of course the past two matches here help, and even the doubles on the first day. Of course, victories and hours spent on court help.

“For me, every day that I have the chance to play is great news, so I’m just happy for that. I’m happy that I came back after a long time and feel competitive. Let’s see how far I can go.”