World No. 3 Rafael Nadal made a good start to his Australian Open campaign with a straight-sets win over Mikhail Youzhny in Melbourne. Rafa won 6-3 , 6-2, 6-2 in one hour, 50 minutes on the Rod Laver Arena. He will now challenge Tim Smyczek, who defeated Luke Saville 7-6(2), 7-5, 6-4.
After the match, Rafael Nadal said: “This first match was tough mentally for me, the first big test of the season. I hope this match will give me confidence for the next round.”
Clive Brunskill/Getty Images
Clive Brunskill/Getty Images
Ryan Pierse/Getty Images
REUTERS/Issei Kato
REUTERS/Issei Kato
REUTERS/Issei Kato
Great tennis Rafa and so happy for you that you are playing so well again. Tennis is not the same when Rafa is out.
wow wow your back , wonderful energy and form go boyxx
Brilliant win today,,,,looking good Rafa
I watch very little professional tennis when Rafa is out so it was a real treat to seem him play again and in such good form.
Great start and worth setting the alarm to watch Rafael. Vamos Rafaaaaa
WELL DONE, Rafa – good as ever, my hero! This victory will give u plenty of self confidence and positive feelings. U are the REAL NUMBER ONE!!!!! VAAAMOOOSSS RAAAFAAA !!!!
I know you can do it Rafa ,you’re the best, you should be No 1,great to see you back on winning form.
Parabéns, Rafal , vá com calma , estamos torcendo por você.
Vamos ..
To the Final☺☺☺
Great match. So happy for Rafa. Vamos!!