No problems for Nadal and Kyrgios

Australian Open

World No 1 Rafael Nadal and Nick Kyrgios had no problems on the opening day at the Australian Open.

Top seed and 2009 champion Nadal overwhelmed world No 79 Victor Estrella Burgos 6-1, 6-1, 6-1 in one hour and 34 minutes on Rod Laver Arena on Monday, while Kyrgios beat Rogerio Dutra Silva 6-1, 6-2, 6-4.

It was a walk in the park for Nadal as the 37-year-old Burgos from the Dominican Republic was simply not able to keep up with his power and ground strokes.

“I’m very happy to be back, it’s a very important beginning for me. It’s good news for me,” the Spaniard, who will face Argentina’s Leonardo Mayer next, said.

“I want to enjoy every moment I’m here on this court.”

Of course, Nadal has gone back to his sleeveless outfit for this tournament.

Australian Kyrgios came into the first Grand Slam high on confidence after winning the Brisbane International and he continued that fine form as he needed only 84 minutes to dispatch of Brazil’s Silva.

“I was very nervous coming out here, first match at the Australian Open,” the 11th seed, who will take on, Serbia’s Viktor Troicki next, said.

“I didn’t think I played as well as Brisbane but hopefully I continue to improve and find my feet out here.

“A couple of years ago I made the quarter-finals here and I’m just trying to emulate that and maybe go a little bit further.”

Kyrgios, though, is never far from controversy.

Meanwhile, eighth seed Jack Sock of America suffered a shock 6-1, 7-6, (7-4) 5-7, 6-3 defeat at the hands of world number 41 Yuichi Sugita. Sock was one of 10 American players, male and female, to lose on the opening day at Melbourne Park.

However, 2014 US Open champion Marin Cilic had no problems as he beat Canadian qualifier Vasek Pospisil 6-2, 6-2, 4-6, 7-6 (7-5) while 10th seed Pablo Carreño Busta saw off Jason Kubler 7-5, 4-6, 7-5, 6-1.

Jack Sock Marin Cilic Nick Kyrgios Pablo Carreno Busta Rafael Nadal

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