There were no signs of rust from Rafael Nadal as he swept aside Victor Estrella Burgos 6-1, 6-1, 6-1, in the first round of the Australian Open.
The second seed entered this year’s draw with unanswered questions. His preparations for the 2018 season has been far from ideal due to a knee injury that forced him out on the ATP Finals last November. On top of that, the Spaniard has never won a grand slam without with playing a warm-up tournament.
“It was a long season, a good one but very long, in 2017.” Reflected Nadal after the match. “I was disappointed that I couldn’t make it to Brisbane, but I finished (my off-season) a bit late and I needed more time.”
“I’m very happy to be here again. For me, it is a very important place to play (at). The Rod Laver court is very special and unique.” He added.
Inevitably there were doubts surrounding Nadal, but he has hit back at critics with a dominant performance on the Rod Laver Arena. Winning 77% of his first service points and producing a total of 28 winners.
Facing a player who didn’t make his debut on the ATP Tour until the age of 27, Nadal dictated from the onset with the help of his aggressive game. Estrella Burgos appeared rattled during the early stages of the match as he continuously glared towards the other side of the court. Meanwhile, Nadal eased to a 5-0 lead with little difficulty. Sealing the opening set with a flawless backhand drop shot.
There were occasional glimpses of Estrella Burgos’ potential. However they were nowhere near enough to disrupt the momentum of the 10-time French Open champion. It wasn’t until the 13th game of the match where Nadal faced his first break point, which he saved with the help of an error from his rival. Eventually the player from the Dominican Republic secured the break he sought, winning over the affection of the Australian crowd, but it only delayed the inevitable. Hitting 10 winners to nine unforced errors during the second set, Nadal claimed a two sets lead when a Estrella Burgos forehand shot drifted beyond the baseline.
.@RafaelNadal takes a hugely entertaining second set.
He leads 6-1 6-1. #AusOpen pic.twitter.com/xMxBSwonVs
— #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) January 15, 2018
Strolling towards a place in the last 64 of the draw, there appeared to be no signs of a problem with the knee. After one point towards the end of the match he was seen skipping before once again sprinting around the court. Reminding the tour why he is currently ranked No.1 in the world. Victory was secured on the stroke of the 94th minute of the encounter following a return from Estrella Burgos landing out. Earning Nadal his 52nd main draw win in the tournament.
“I love this sport, I love tennis and I love this competition. I know one day I will not have the chance to play again on the court. So I want to enjoy it every time I am here (on Rod Laver Arena).” Nadal commented during his on-court interview.
“I don’t want to think about how many more years I can be here.”
As a result of John Isner’s first round loss, Nadal will not face a top 20 player until at least the quarter-final stage. In his section, the highest seed remaining is Diego Schwartzman at 23.
Nadal will next take on Argentina’s Leonardo Mayer. A player who he leads 4-0 in their head-to-head, but dropped a set against him at the US Open last year.
“I’ve played him a couple of times, last year in the US Open. I think that round was a tough one, I lost the first set.” Nadal said about his last clash with Mayer.
“He’s a very good player. He hits the ball very strongly. I will need to be ready to compete well from the beginning.”
The 31-year-old top seed is bidding to win the Melbourne title for the first time since 2009.
