Former World No.1 Rafael Nadal produced another sensational performance to dismiss Mischa Zverev 6-1 6-1 in under an hour in Brisbane.
Zverev, the older brother of Alexander Zverev, is known for his big serve and aggressive play, a style that Nadal has struggled with in recent years. Nadal continued where he left off after his excellent win over Aleksandr Dolgopolov in the first set, was relentless in the opening set, denying Zverev any opportunity to settle. Nadal broke twice, winning more than half the total points against the Zverev serve, with Zverev failing to hit even a single ace in the opener. Nadal’s ground-strokes pulled Zverev every direction, and the German simply could not cope with the brilliance of the Spaniard.
The second set was very similar to the first, with Zverev getting increasingly desperate, resorting to approaching the net at most occasions, but Nadal was picking him off with ease. The match ended as much of the second set had gone, Nadal hitting a second serve return winner past a net-rushing Zverev to seal the win in just fifty-five minutes.
Nadal, the winner of an exhibition event in Abu Dhabi before the season began, has started the season in incredible form, dropping just eight games in his first two matches. He will next face Milos Raonic, the world no. 3 and defending champion, after he eased past Diego Schwartzmann. Raonic is another big server, but Nadal in his current form must be considered the favourite if he can replicate the returning and overall dominance that he displayed against Zverev.
Nadal: “Amazing feeling to back on tour is always great. It’s so special to be back on court and to have the support of this amazing crowd so many thanks. It means everything to me after a long career, to feel the support of the people means everything to me.”
On his next match against Milos Raonic : “He is the third player of the world today he did a fantastic year last year. He played good tournaments, winning here last year, it will be a very tough one.”
