Nadal's knees survive test

Rafael Nadal's tender knees passed their first test when the Spaniard returned to action on Monday in a doubles win at the Montreal Masters.

Sidelined for more than two months with tendonitis in both knees, Nadal looked fighting fit as he teamed up with coach Francisco Roig to beat Serbian duo Novak Djokovic and Dusan Vemic 7-5 6-4.

"It's great to be back and I had a lot of fun playing with Francisco," Nadal told reporters.

"A win is a win and doubles is fun and important so I am happy about the way it went today. I am really looking forward to playing singles on Wednesday (today)."

It was a positive first step in what is expected to be a testing comeback for the 23-year-old Spaniard, who opens the defence of his Montreal crown with a second round clash against either compatriot David Ferrer or Serb Viktor Troicki.

Playing his first event since being stunned in the fourth round of the French Open on May 31, much has changed for Nadal as rival Roger Federer took his French Open and Wimbledon titles along with the world no.1 ranking.

Federer's life has also undergone some dramatic changes.

Since capturing a record 15th grand slam singles title at Wimbledon in July, Federer and wife Mirka have become parents to twin girls, the Swiss arriving in Montreal with his family in tow.

The beaming dad said he was relishing his new parental duties, including changing diapers, but on the court the Swiss insisted he would be all business when he begins his US Open build-up.

Federer, who celebrated his 28th birthday last Saturday, opens his Montreal bid against Canadian hope Frederic Niemeyer, who reached the second round with a 7-5 6-1 win over Russian Igor Kunitsyn.