‘Important’ win for Nadal over Mayer

Rafael Nadal says he is determined to stay in the Australian Open “as long as possible” after beating “tough opponent” Leonardo Mayer in the second round.
After brushing aside world No 79 Victor Estrella Burgos 6-1, 6-1, 6-1 in his opening match, the world No 1 was given a sterner test by Mayer on Wednesday.
However, he still came out on top with a 6-3, 6-4, 7-6 (7-4) victory in two hours and 38 minutes on Rod Laver Arena.
Nadal hit 40 winners and made only 10 unforced errors, but he did lose his serve when he was serving for the match at 5-4.
The Spaniard, though, wrapped things up in the tie-breaker.
The world No.1?? is through to the third round! #AusOpen pic.twitter.com/DjhstN6gC8
— #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) January 17, 2018
“An important victory for me. Always a tough opponent,” the 16-time Grand Slam winner said. “I had to hit some great shots in the tie-break. I wish him all the best in the season. Happy to be in the third round after a while without being in competition.
“This tournament is my favourite of the year so I want to stay as long as possible.”
Nadal will face Bosnian 28th seed Damir Dzumhur in the third round on Friday.
Latest
-
Tennis News
Rising star provisionally suspended from all tennis activity following a positive doping test
Ukrainian rising star Dayana Yastremska has been…
-
Tennis News
Is this the real reason why Roger Federer is skipping next month’s Australian Open?
Roger Federer suggested he pulled out of the Australian Open for fitness reasons, yet other reasons were in play.
-
Tennis News
Sofia Kenin wins as the tennis season gets underway despite doubts over what happens next
No.1 seed Sofia Kenin of the United…
-
Kevin Palmer
Exclusive – F1 champ Jenson Button on his love of tennis and the Federer vs Nadal debate
Formula 1 ace Jenson Button has admitted he is ‘in awe’ of the tennis giants of the modern era.
-
Kevin Palmer
Exclusive – British Davis Cup captain makes a prediction for Dan Evans in 2021
British Davis Cup captain Leon Smith believes Dan Evans could be a player to watch in 2021.
-
Tennis News
Tennis star Camila Giorgi draws mixed response after posting sexy lingerie images on social media
Tennis star Camila Giorgi has been targeted by online trolls after sharing a series of racy lingerie snaps on her social media channels.
-
News
Legendary coach of Boris Becker and Goran Ivanisevic loses his fight with cancer
Bob Brett, one of tennis’ most respected coaches and a former director of player development has died of cancer.
-
News
Australian Open organisers scrambling to finalise preparations for players
The hard work appeared to have been done when Tennis Australia announced last month that the tournament would start on February 8.
-
Tennis News
Novak Djokovic and Rafael Nadal to lead the field at the ATP Cup next month
Novak Djokovic and Rafael Nadal will lead a star-studded field at the ATP Cup next month.
-
Tennis News
Tennis chief admits Wimbledon will not be ‘normal’ until 2022
Wimbledon will not be able to return…