Rafael Nadal made his much awaited return on Thursday, scoring a 6-7(2), 6-3, 6-4 win over Jo-Wilfried Tsonga in an exhibition match in Astana, Kazakhstan.

Nadal has not played since losing to Nick Kyrgios in the fourth round of the 2014 Wimbledon in July after sustaining a wrist injury, which forced him to skip his title defense in the 2014 U.S. Open and Spain's campaign in the Davis Cup.

After his first game in almost three months, Nadal, who has since fallen to No. 2 in the ATP world rankings, said that he felt good on Thursday, and added that he is motivated to regain his old form.

"Every time when I come back after an injury I have an extra motivation," Nadal said via SuperSport. "I'm set to work hard to gain my top form and to return to my level. I'm very happy to have an opportunity to play tennis - my favorite occupation."

The 28-year-old tennis superstar said that he is feeling better over the past several weeks, but he admitted that he is still trying to forget about the injury and get into his rhythm.

"I feel much better, I am in good shape. I am trying to forget the wrist. I am trying to get back into a rhythm but that takes time," Nadal said.

Barring any major setback, Nadal will return to competitive tennis when he competes in the China Open in Beijing, which will be followed by his participation in the Shanghai Masters.

"I will play in Beijing and Shanghai. My goal is to play and practice as much as possible and be ready for the end of the season," Nadal said.

According to FanSided, Nadal will then fly to Europe after finishing the Asia Swing to play in the 2014 Paris Masters 1000 before competing in the ATP World Tour Finals at O2 Arena in London in November.

Nadal was also scheduled to complete in the inaugural edition of the International Premier Tennis League, but event organizers announced that the Spaniard withdrew from the tournament, and was replaced by Roger Federer.

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