- Rafael Nadal, runner-up in 2017, beat Victor Estrella Burgos 6-1, 6-1, 6-1
- The Spaniard was in sensational form in front of a packed Rod Laver Arena
- Nadal will play Leonardo Mayer in the second round on Wednesday.
Rafael Nadal breezed into the second round of the Australian Open with a ruthless 6-1, 6-1, 6-1 victory over Victor Estrella Burgos.
Last year’s runner-up gave a masterclass at the Rod Laver Arena, taking the first set in 23 minutes.
The other two followed routinely as the Spaniard booked his place in round two in an hour and 34 minutes.
Rafael Nadal began his Australian Open campaign with a win over Victor Estrella Burgos
The 2017 runner-up produced a merciless display to book a place in the second round
The Rod Laver Arena was packed out for the Spaniard’s opening match of the tournament
The world No 1 was playing for the first time since withdrawing from last season’s ATP World Tour Finals with knee problems which have troubled him throughout his career.
But the 31-year-old glided around the court with ease and will next face Leonardo Mayer in the second round on Wednesday.
Tougher tests will unquestionably follow, but Nadal was delighted to be back on court after a sensational 2017 campaign where he won the French Open and US Open, was curtailed early by injury.
‘I love tennis. I love the competition. I know one day that I will not have the opportunity to play in this arena [Rod Laver Arena] so I want to enjoy every moment,’ Nadal said.
Nadal didn’t disappoint his fans and raced through the first set in only 23 minutes
Victor Estrella Burgos battled to even win a game off Nadal in each of the sets