Second seed Rafael Nadal says he has experienced a ‘tough 15 days’ following his straight sets win over Laslo Djere in the first round of the Australian Open on Tuesday.
The 20-time Grand Slam winner rallied to a 6-3, 6-4, 6-1, victory over the Serbian in what was his first Tour match of the season. Nadal pulled out of the ATP Cup last week due to a back problem and recently admitted that he is still troubled by the issue. However, it was business as usual for the Spaniard on the Rod Laver Arena as he hit 19 winners to 24 unforced errors and convered six out of his 11 break point opportunities.
“It’s been a tough 15 days for me because I have had some issues with my back,” Nadal said during his on-court interview.
“I needed to survive today and that is what I did. I just tried to be focused all the time and get through.’
“I’m happy to be through to the second round. I think I did a good job.”
Taking on world No.56 Djere for the first time in his career, Nadal soon gained control in the match by breaking his opponent twice during the opening set. Although he did drop one of those breaks due to some spirited play from the Serbian. However, it was not enough to derail Nadal from clinching a 6-3 lead with a deep forehand shot which Djere couldn’t retrieve.
Continuing his dominance the world No.2 was impressive behind his serve, particularly during the second set where he won 20 out of 22 points on his first serve. Racing to a set and 5-4, Nadal faced his first bit of pressure whilst trying to serve for a two-set lead. Falling behind 15-40, he had to save a duo of break points before closing the game out with the help of a Djere forehand going long to extend his advantage.
Closing in on a place in the second round, the 34-year-old broke once again at the start of the third frame. Djere continued to fight on the court but it wasn’t enough to stop Nadal from clinching his 66th main draw victory at Melbourne Park with relative ease. Racing to a trio of match points, the encounter ended in anticlimactic fashion with Djere hitting a double fault.
“I am here to try my best as always. That’s it. I can’t say much more,” Nadal stated.
“Let’s go day by day. Today I was able to find a way to get through and that gives me one more day (of treatment) tomorrow.’
“It hasn’t been ideal preparation for me but at least I’m still alive. I’m enjoying playing in this amazing country (Australia).”
Nadal is seeking only his second title at the Australian Open this year and first since 2009. Despite his lack of silverware at the tournament, Melbourne is still his second most successful Grand Slam in terms of matches won. His first is the French Open where he has recorded a record 100 wins.
