Rafael Nadal has got off to a solid start at the Australian Open with a 6-3, 6-4, 6-4, win over Germany’s Florian Mayer in the first round.
The encounter at Melbourne Park was a chance for Nadal to get some closure following his shock first round exit in the tournament last year. Furthermore, it was also an opportunity for the 30-year-old to illustrate his title credentials after being sidelined with a wrist injury in recent months.
Starting his 12th Australian Open campaign on the Rod Laver Arena, Nadal was forced to work hard for the win by his German opponent. A sole break was the only thing that separated the two men during the early stages of the match. Nadal’s 12 winners throughout the opening set was marred by his 11 unforced errors. Regardless of the Spaniards tricky test, where he converted only one out of seven break points, Nadal’s more supreme shot-making sealed the first set lead.
Mayer’s persistent defensive play continued to be problematic for Nadal, but it was never enough to generate any momentum in his favour. The German had an opportunity to break midway through the second set, but failed to convert. With both men appearing solid in their service games, a fierce Nadal forehand triggered his opponent to return the ball out, gifting the ninth seed the break to serve for a two-sets lead. The task was no issue for the 2009 champion as he raced to 40-0 before extending his lead with the help of a Mayer forehand drifting out.
Edging closer towards the second round, the nine-time French Open champion still struggled to tame his opponent’s serve as Mayer refused to be intimidated by the match favourite. Unfortunately for the world No.49, his on-court resilience was no match for Nadal and his powerful forehand. Two games away from victory, a Mayer double fault rewarded the ninth seed a double chance to break and serve for the match. It was an opportunity seized after another deep forehand to the baseline from the Spaniard was returned into the net from the German. Completing his straightforward triumph, a winner down the line elevated Nadal to the last 64.
Recording his 46th win at Melbourne Park, Nadal attributed his latest triumph to his work during the off-season.
“I’ve been practising quite a lot.” Said Nadal during his on-court interview. “I was able to work on a lot of things in Majorca and I’m happy to be back.”.
During his latest victory, Nadal hit six aces and 39 winners to dispose of Mayer. Delighted with his performance against as player who ‘doesn’t have a typical game’, the 2009 Melbourne champion admitted that he was cautious about playing the world No.49.
“Today was a good first round (win) for me. Florian (Mayer), he’s a tough player to play against. He’s doesn’t have a typical game. He’s going to the net, changes a lot there. You need to careful with every single shot he plays.” The ninth seed said.
“It’s a great victory and I am happy to play against in Melbourne.” He added.
In the next round, Nadal will play 2006 finalist Marcos Baghdatis. He currently leads the head-to-head 8-1 against the Cypriot player. Nadal’s only loss occurred at the 2010 Cincinnati Open.
