**FILE** In this June 26, 2012 file photo, Rafael Nadal of Spain ... more >VINA DEL MAR, Chile — Rafael Nadal has won his first match after being away for more than seven months because of a knee injury.
The former No. 1-ranked Nadal partnered with Juan Monaco to defeat the Czech pair of Frantisek Cermak and Lukas Dlouhy 6-3,6-2 on Tuesday in the VTR clay-court tournament in this Pacific coastal resort city.
Nadal, whose left knee inflammation lingered despite on-going therapy, has not played since June 28 when he was upset in the second round of Wimbledon by qualifier Lukas Rosol.
He opens in singles on Wednesday against Argentine Federico Delbonis, hoping to catch up with the other three of tennis’ Big Four — Novak Djokovic, Roger Federer and Andy Murray.
By Douglas Holtz-Eakin
The young drop coverage to avoid higher premiums
Independent voices from the TWT Communities
We welcome you to the intimate and personal thoughts on the news and events we, as editors, watch, read, and discuss with our writers every day.
Consummate traveler Todd DeFeo explores the unique stories that make destinations worth going to.
Benghazi: The anatomy of a scandal
13 Photos
Vietnam Memorial adds four names
18 Photos
Cinco de Mayo on the Mall
11 Photos
NRA kicks off annual convention
8 Photos
California wildfires wreak havoc
37 Photos
