Intro:

Nadal back in action with straight sets win.

Script:

Rafael Nadal showed no signs of a tender back on Tuesday, defeating fellow Spaniard Daniel Gimeno-Traver 6-3, 7-5 in the first round of the Rio Open.

It was the world number one's first match since losing three weeks ago in the Australian Open final against Stanislas Wawrinka.

Nadal tweaked his back warming up for the final in Australia, bringing up questions again about his health to start a season. A year ago he was coming back from a left knee injury, which he overcame to win the French and US Opens.

Nadal broke Gimeno-Traver in the sixth game en route to taking the first set. The two were even in the second until Nadal broke in the 11th game and then served out to win.

The Spaniard said he knew it wasn't his best tennis but he was happy with the victory.

SOUNDBITE: (English) Rafael Nadal
"Always fine - a first match after a period of injury for my back. I am still feeling a little bit the back but I am happy to be back in competition. I didn't have the chance to practice a lot before this tournament because I had to stop for a few weeks after Australia so it's normal that in the beginning it will not be easy to find my best feelings. I know that, I will accept that and I played against a player who is really a specialist on clay so good victory."

Nadal could be heading for a possible final on Sunday against second seed and fellow Spaniard David Ferrer, who defeated Jeremy Chardy in his first-round match 6-2, 6-3.