Rafael Nadal had a great day in the office with a 6-2, 6-3, 6-4 win against 126th-ranked German qualifier Yannick Hanfmann on Wednesday to march into the Australian Open third round and stay on track for a record 21st Grand Slam title.
Hanfmann saved four match points, including two on the Spaniard’s serve, before the 2009 champion secured victory on Rod Laver Arena.
Having played him before at Roland Garros I knew that he is dangerous. His result against Thanasi [Kokkinakis] in the first round says that he is playing great and coming from the qualies he was used to the courts. He has big shots, a good serve and has a lot of potential. Today his level was much higher than his ranking says.
As I said before the tournament, things are not going to be perfect, but every day that I spend on court, the chances to play better a higher. Things that I can improve I have to improve. Winning today allows me to practice again tomorrow, to be ready for another match. After two matches it’s the moment to make a step forward.
Rafa Nadal
Rafa will face either Russian 28th seed Karen Khachanov or Benjamin Bonzi of France next.
Vamos Rafa. !! Te lo mereces , (21) plus for 2022, la humildad ! Vence a la soberbia
I think this match was good for Rafa as he was pushed hard by Hanfman to won the break points that seemed to come and go . Rafa will likely need to improve his first serve % and try to play more serve and volley to keep his opponents guessing .
Overall , i enjoyed this match and rate Rafa at 8/10 . Will need to improve to beat win this title . I think he will but epic battles are ahead , no doubt .
Some great shots here-hope you are confident and healthy for next round. (Hanfmann looked a little
like Prince Harry, at a glance) All the best 💪🤛👏👍🍀🎾❤️
Well done Rafa. It was more challenging than the score indicates but as ever you adapted your game. Great to get it over in three sets. You did a lovely, fun interview with Jim Courier. Wonderful to see you so tejaxed and happy. 🇪🇸⭐️👏
His opponent came super offensive with his BH cross courts. Rafa handled them very well. However, he has to serve a lot better. His first serves at the moment are not going to be enough. Maybe he was going for more because it is early rounds. His FH fell short a lot but could tell he was trying hard to fix it during the match especially starting the second sets. Not sure why he is slicing the BH so much. Hopefully it is tactical and not any other reason. He also seemed a bit slow in the 3rd set. But he is still in it so that is great. He will have to get past a lot of Russians and Sasha to get 21. Hope he can do it.
Great win indeed but difficult challange awaits…I think You are going upwards and I am expecting more from you… vamos Rafa
All my best wishes and congratulations on your win vamos rafa xx
Well done champion, wonderful to see you playing with confidence. Your ability to adapt your hame is superb. Tough challenge but you got it done in three sets. Always a pleasure to support you .🇪🇸⭐️👏
Estupendo Rafa, lo que ýo te digo, tú lo sabes mejor ,y que dures y ganes más grand slams
Well done Rafa. Great movement.
Rafa congratulations well don you play amazing today this year is going to be 2022 yours vamosssssss champ 👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥👍💪❤️🎾💪❤️
Congrats on Rafa making it to the third round. Well on his way to get his 21st GS.
Let’s keep our fingers crossed. 🤞
VAMOS RAFA. Your the best.
Rafa had to work hard to earn this victory!
Glad he got it done in straight sets. Vamos💪❤️
Well done Rafa!!👍🏻👏🏻🌞, congratulations for new victory and the way you did it. Little by little you will get and approach your tennis and level. Even to improve and to do new things. I know you are working on it!, as you need when the players from 10 ATP ranking come.
You are on the way Rafa 🙂. Keep writing your Legacy and increasing your LEGEND, you have still a lot to give and to provide us 🙏🏻😌.
Have a good rest and practice.
Out light and hope, siempre contigo Rafa 💚