Spain's Fernando Verdasco serves the ball towards Belgium's Xavier Malisse, on the first day at the World Group, first round of the Davis Cup in Charleroi, Belgium, Friday, March 4, 2011. Fernando Verdasco won the first match 6-4, 6-3, 6-1.
Spain's Fernando Verdasco serves the ball towards Belgium's Xavier Malisse, on the first day at the World Group, first round of the Davis Cup in Charleroi, Belgium, Friday, March 4, 2011. Fernando Verdasco won the first match 6-4, 6-3, 6-1. Yves Logghe, Associated Press
By Associated Press

CHARLEROI, Belgium — Rafael Nadal celebrated his return to top-level tennis with a straight-sets victory over Ruben Bemelmans, giving Spain a 2-0 lead over Belgium in the Davis Cup.

The top-ranked Nadal was dominant Friday in his comeback from an injury to his left thigh. He routed his 144th-ranked opponent 6-2, 6-4, 6-2 in the World Group match.

This was Nadal's first competitive outing since his loss in the Australian Open quarterfinals. He will return to the ATP tour next week in Indian Wells, Calif.

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Earlier, Fernando Verdasco beat Xavier Malisse 6-4, 6-3, 6-1 to put Spain ahead in the best-of-five series. Spain can wrap up the series with a day to spare by winning the doubles Saturday.

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