Rafael Nadal loses comeback match In Brisbane International

Rafael Nadal's return to the tennis court after a year out injured didn't go down as planned as he lost his doubles match with compatriot Marc Lopez at the Brisbane International on Sunday.

The Spaniards lost to Max Purcell and Jordan Thompson of Australia in straight sets 6-4, 6-4 in the round of 32 as Nadal adjusted to life back on court.

Nadal's team took early leads in both sets but were overpowered by the Australian duo as the 22-time Grand Slam champion eased himself back from a hip flexor injury suffered at last year's Australian Open.

He takes to the singles court on Tuesday against former US Open champion Dominic Thiem of Austria.

Max Purcell and Jordan Thompson will face Hugo Nys of Monaco and Nikola Mektic of Croatia in the round of 16.