Rafael Nadal too powerful for defiant Alex de Minaur at Australian Open

Australian Open
Rafael Nadal in action

Rafael Nadal made short work of a defiant Alex de Minaur to progress into the third round of the Australian Open.

The world number two quickly wrestled control of the match, with home hope de Minaur managing to win just three games in the opening two sets.

There was no lack of effort on the Aussie’s part, but he simply found Nadal far too good on the day before closing out a 6-1, 6-2, 6-4 win.

Despite the scoreline, it should be noted that de Minaur fought so hard it took Nadal nearly two-and-a-half hours and six match points to put him away.

Frances Tiafoe is also into round three, after he backed up his fine win over Kevin Anderson by overcoming Andreas Seppi.

The American had to work hard for it, but his 6-7 (3-7), 6-3, 4-6, 6-4, 6-3 win sets up a clash with Grigor Dimtrov next.

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