Rafael Nadal made a successful comeback after a seven-month injury absence with victory in the first round of the Chilean Open doubles late Tuesday.

The former world number one and Argentine partner Juan Monaco overpowered second-seeded Czechs Frantisek Cermak and Lukas Dlouhy 6-3 6-2 in 65 minutes at the Pacific coastal city of Vina del Mar.

Spanish left-hander Nadal had been out with a knee problem since losing to Czech Lukas Rosol in the second round at Wimbledon in June.

“It’s a good feeling to be back. We’ll see how the knee reacts and then we’ll go from there,” Nadal said.

“The moment and the surfaces were the right ones and playing for the first time in this country was a great opportunity.”

The 26-year-old’s planned return at the end of last year was delayed due to illness but he will compete on his favourite clay surface at three Latin American events this month.