(AFP) – Rafael Nadal, the only Australian Open champion in the men’s draw, opened his campaign in blistering fashion in Melbourne on Monday.
The Spanish sixth seed unleashed some of his trademark hammer forehands to wear down American Marcos Giron in straight sets on Rod Laver Arena.
Rafa, who beat Roger Federer for the 2009 Australian title and is chasing a record 21st Grand Slam crown, traded blows with the world number 66 Giron, winning 6-1, 6-4, 6-2.
Rafa will next play Australian Thanasi Kokkinakis or Germany’s Yannick Hanfmann in the second round.
It’s been a very challenging few months… tough moments with a lot of doubts – there still are doubts. But I am here and I can’t be happier to be back in Australia in this amazing stadium.
You never know when you come back from injury, which unfortunately I have a lot of experience with, how things will be, so you have to take it day by day. You have to forgive yourself if things aren’t going the proper way.
Rafa Nadal
Camis Rafa!
VAMOS Rafa! Predictive text v annoying!
You are The Absolute Best and the Consummate Champion! I too have watched you
Through your younger years until now, G-d Bless you….Vamos Rafa and Good Luck
Rafa good luck in second round this is your vamosssssss champ we are with you all the way 💪👏👍❤️🎾👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏
Dear Rafa you’ve always have been the most majestic player I’ve ever seen and had me glued to the game of tennis since you were only 18 now you’re 35 and I’m 71. Thank you Rafa for blessing my Life with magnetic tennis.
I shall always think of you as my hero and the god of tennis.
I shall continue to send up blessings to you and thank God that 🙏 you brought the love of tennis into my life.
You’ll always be the winner of the tournament in my 🤍
I certainly echoed the same sentiment.
Me too!
Well done! He needs to stay as much as he can fresh for upcoming matches.
Rafa you look so fit and trim…losing weight to ease the load that troubled foot. Well done today it is so good to see your style of tennis (clever and risky) love it!!!
Congrats Rafa👏 Good luck in round two🍀❤️
Congratulations
Not being too optimistic but I really think that this tournament will decide The fate of our Champ… fingers crossed I really want him to win this but we are going step by step…
Congrats on the straight sets win-great to see you back, fighting and winning👍👏💪🤛🍀🎾❤️
We are so thrilled and excited to be talking about the tennis once again as compitative tennis back with tennis fan In the stadium. This is feast our eyes on the upcoming matches and great competitors especially our dear Rafa , Novak ,Roger but unfortunately we can’t see them. But happy to see Rafa is feeling healthy and positive in his 1st slam of the New Year.
He beats Giron M in straight sets 6-1,6-4,6-2
Well done Rafa, good start of the tournament❤️
Great start, Rafa! Vamos, champ!