Rafael Nadal strolls into second-round of the Australian Open with straight sets win over James Duckworth
- Rafael Nadal allayed any injury fears with
Rafael Nadal showed there was plenty of life left in the 17-time Major champion with an impressive straight sets win over James Duckworth.
The Spaniard was at his scintillating best to silence a partisan home crowd and beat the home favourite 6-4, 6-3, 7-5.
The 31-year-old had to pull out of the Brisbane International with a thigh problem earlier this month but allayed any fears of an injury hangover here.
It was an encouraging start to 2019 for Nadal after he was limited to only nine tournaments last year due to a string of injuries which included ankle surgery in November.
More to follow
Rafael Nadal lets out a roar on his way to a straight sets win over James Duckworth
Rafael Nadal plays a backhand shot during his first-round meeting with James Duckworth
Nadal was back to his best on the Rod Laver Arena as he registered a straight sets victory
The Spaniard takes a breather and cools down on a sweltering sunny day in Melbourne
The Australian outsider was cheered on by the partisan home crowd on Rod Laver Arena