Rafael Nadal has 19-year-old Australian Alex de Minaur’s number – or numbers, really, and they are 6-1, 6-2, 6-4.
Rafa’s victory over de Minaur in the third round of the Australian Open came by that score, as did the 17-major champion’s win when the two met at Wimbledon last year.
De Minaur came into the Australian Open on a high having won the Sydney International last week but was outclassed by Rafa, who will play Tomas Berdych in the fourth round.
It was Rafa’s third match in a row against an Australian, having beaten James Duckworth and Matthew Ebden in the first two rounds.
“Even playing against an Australian like Alex, I feel like the crowd – some part of the crowd – is with me,” said Rafa, the 2009 Australian Open champion.
Source: The Associated Press
👏👏👏Well done Rafa! best of luck to the next one…❤️❤️❤️
Congratulations Rafa great playing so good I watch on TV ,vamossssssssss champ is your time to go all the way you can do it,🎾🎾🎾👍👍👍😘😘😘🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🙏
well played rafa…feeling so good tonsee u play at this intensity and determination its always a treat to eyes watching u play…..next is a player out an out aggressive hittter….so i think rafa needa to change or vary the pace of the shots….vaey the speed of the shot and should more try for drop shot…..also 1 set will be so important so holding serve will be the key ..rafa alsi shud try to serve and volley a little in this match and best u kbow what to do…..best luck rafa….vamos
Congratulations-convincing win👍Stay strong and healthy. 💪👍👏🤛💕
Rafa banished The Demon! Good job, champ!
Berdy next, but as Rafa says you cannot be in the 4th round of a slam and expect an easy opponent.
WOW. Rafa’s on fire. Nice to see him recovering from his injuries from last year.
If he keeps playing like this, I can see him winning this GS for sure.
His last win at AO was back in 2009. He is long overdue. He deserves this title more than anyone.
Good luck against Berdych. Rest up and pace yourself
Vamos Rafa. No 1 always to us all.
Yes, Iwas praying for him during the 2017 final, it would have been ideal to make 2 wins there. Anderson Kyrgios and Thiem have fallen out, 3 threats less. Fiona in Paris;
Congratulations Rafa my boy. Vamos Rafa. God bless you. Your Aussie Abuela Nan Shirley. 🐂🏆👑🎉🎉
Rafa you were very good stay aggressive and won championship
Ever the warrior Rafa fantastic game. sorry about the time violation at a very important time but it did not phase you. good luck for next round. keep that body strong. Vamos.
Great match again. Rafa looked fantastic. Take rest tomorrow and than all the best against Berdych. Go for it. Vamos Rafa <3
Great playing Rafa GO Rafa you are ready to win the AO.