Tenth seed Hubert Hurkacz was stunned in straight sets by veteran Frenchman Adrian Mannarino. "The pressure is only to stay healthy and to enjoy the fact that I am competing again, then give my best as I did during all my tennis career." "I'm excited about the fact that I'm going to be playing in a third round for one more time here after all the things I am going through," he said. Nadal said he did not have "big pressure on my shoulders" as he attempts to surpass Roger Federer and Novak Djokovic's record of 20 Slam titles. He created 16 break point chances against the German, converting four of them, and hit 30 winners on his way to victory. When asked about staying fit, Nadal joked: "I play some golf - I have never been a gym guy." He cut short his 2021 season because of a foot injury but has made a strong return, winning his first tournament back in the build-up to the Australian Open. Nadal, a five-time finalist in Melbourne, is the only former champion remaining in the men's draw. Nadal will face 28th seed Karen Khachanov next after the Russian beat France's Benjamin Bonzi 6-4 6-0 7-5. Barty & Osaka race through in Melbourne.Andy Murray column: Australian Open return & Ronaldo-style celebrations.whether you are for me or against me - I enjoy the noise, enjoy being on court, spectators bring the emotion." "I have always said in the past two years since Covid started, sport needs the atmosphere and the people. "I am prepared everyone will hate me after the match," he added. The 24-year-old says he was prepared to be the villain when facing a home favourite, but is enjoying having fans present in Melbourne. ![]() "It was an amazing atmosphere, and hopefully it will stay the same and get even louder for the next matches." "I feel good, I won, I could really feel you guys have been in lockdown for two years," said Zverev. The 20-time Grand Slam champion is chasing a second Australian Open title and aiming to become the first male player to win 21 Grand Slam titles.Hanfmann saved four match points, including two on the Spaniard's serve, before the 2009 champion secured victory on Rod Laver Arena.Īlexander Zverev also reached the third round after beating Australia's John Millman in straight sets.ĭespite a spirited performance from the Australian, the German third seed won 6-4 6-4 6-0 to set up a meeting with Moldovan qualifier Radu Albot, who beat wildcard Aleksandar Vukic 6-4 7-6 (7-4) 6-4. Nadal’s second round win included 29 winners and 25 unforced errors and was his fourth consecutive victory of the year, which began on a winning note with the Melbourne Summer Set title. Nadal has a 7-0 head to head record against Khachanov and has yet to play against Bonzi. His third round opponent will be the winner of the clash between Russia’s Karen Khachanov and Benjamin Bonzi of France. I am more a fan of playing sports, different sports,” he added. When asked by Channel 9 commentator Jim Courier how he maintained his physique, Nadal replied that he played a “little golf.” Today his level was much higher than his ranking says.” He has big shots, a good serve and has a lot of potential. “His result against Thanasi in the first round says that he is playing great and coming from the qualies he was used to the courts. “Having played him before at Roland Garros I knew that he is dangerous,” Nadal said after the two hour 42-minute match. Melbourne, Australia, Jan 19 (EFE).- Spain’s Rafael Nadal, seeded 6th in the men’s draw, delivered an impeccable performance to cruise past German qualifier Yannick Hanfmann 6-2, 6-3, 6-4 in the second round of the Australian Open on Wednesday.
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