Spain's Rafael Nadal hits balls to fans during a promotional event ahead of the Brisbane International tennis tournament in Brisbane on Dec 29, 2023. (PHOTO / AFP)

Rafael Nadal returned to the tennis courts in Australia on Thursday, preparing for his first tournament since last year's Australian Open.

Nadal, a 22-time grand slam winner, is starting the road back from a hip injury sustained last January with his first appearance at the Brisbane International since 2017.

He hit the ball Thursday at the Queensland Tennis Centre, including a session with world number eight Holger Rune of Denmark.

ALSO READ: Rafael Nadal announces return to competition in January

Rafael Nadal of Spain plays during a training session ahead of the Brisbane International tennis tournament in Brisbane, Australia, on Dec 28, 2023. (PHOTO / AP)

Rune shared a photo of the joint practice on social media with the caption, "No time for jetlag. Evening practice with @RafaelNadal."

Due to his lack of tour play, Nadal has fallen to No 672 in the world. The 37-year-old Spaniard previously said he expects this to be his final season on tour.

READ MORE: Australian Open chief still assured Nadal will be back in Melbourne

He will appear at the Brisbane tournament, which begins Sunday, as a wild card. He will be unseeded for the first time since January 2005.