Rafael Nadal in brutal form as he effortlessly blasts his way into Australian Open second round
Rafael Nadal made short work of Hugo Dellien as he started his Australian Open campaign in typically dominant fashion.
Nadal was in total control from the very first minute as the Bolivian struggled to find anything in his arsenal capable of hurting the world number one.
He was in no mood for charity, though, and eased himself to a ruthless 6-2, 6-3, 6-0 win in Rod Laver Arena.
Nadal is chasing both a record-equalling 20th Grand Slam title and a record-breaking second career slam in Australia, and couldn’t have really gotten off to a better start.
“It’s a positive start,” Nadal said. “What you want in the first round is to win, and straight sets is better.”
The top seed will play the winner of Argentine Federico Delbonis and Portuguese Joao Sousa in the second round, neither of whom have ever beaten him.
Elsewhere, it was a solid session for the more fancied players, with Marin Cilic, Milos Raonic, and Dominic Thiem all safely progressing into round two.
There were also impressive wins for Diego Schwartzman and Roberto Bautista Agut in a busy day session due to Monday’s rain.
Follow us on Twitter @T365Official and like our Facebook page.
Latest
-
WTA TourCiti Open: Emma Raducanu falls to Liudmila Samsonova
Fellow Brit Dan Evans also went down in Washington.
-
WTA TourExclusive – Former British No 1 with an upbeat verdict on Emma Raducanu
Durie has backed the young Brit to find her form if she can steer clear of injuries.
-
Tennis NewsExclusive – Former British No 1 on whether Novak Djokovic should play at the US Open
Jo Durie believes it will be a ‘real shame’ if Novak Djokovic cannot play at the US Open.
-
WTA TourNaomi Osaka lauds Coco Gauff as a star on and off the court
Coco Gauff is already a big star according to Naomi Osaka.
-
WTA TourEmma Raducanu could climb to World No 8 in DC
A new career-high ranking might await Emma Raducanu next week.
-
ATP TourRafael Nadal left with no choice but to withdraw from Montreal
No Rafael Nadal or Novak Djokovic at the Rogers Cup.
-
WimbledonWimbledon responds to backlash against new stadium plans
Wimbledon hope to get the local residents on their side.
-
Tennis NewsAndy Murray handed US Open lifeline with Montreal wildcard
Three-time champion Andy Murray gets a wildcard for Montreal.
-
Live TennisWhat time is Emma Raducanu vs Liudmilla Samsonova: How to watch
Your match and channel guides for the two ATP and WTA events on the go.
-
NewsCameron Norrie set for blockbuster semi-final in Los Cabos
The world number 12 will meet second seed Felix Auger-Aliassime next.