Tennis: Rafael Nadal Goes Into Third Round
January 22nd 2009 23:10
On Thursday, number one seed Rafael Nadal rolled Roko Karanusic of Croatia 6-2, 6-3, 6-2 in the Australian Open's second round to stay on course for his first hardcourt Grand Slam title. Nadal, who earlier blew away Christophe Rochus, was again merciless, missing only one break point as he wrapped it up in 97 minutes to set up a clash with world No 79 German Tommy Haas.
"He played aggressively, it's not easy to play against someone who plays inside the court and hits big shots with the forehand," Nadal said.
"But I feel very comfortable here and I'm very happy with the victory."
The 22-year-old broke twice before sealing the opening set with an ace, then took the second at a canter and clinched victory on his first match point when Karanusic put a forehand wide.
The top seeds have all excelled here with three-time champion Roger Federer and defending champion Novak Djokovic both impressive in their early matches.
Nadal had a slow start to the year after an extended off-season with ongoing knee problems, but he has been in lightning form here as he bids to add the Australian Open to his Wimbledon and French Open crowns.
The Majorcan left-hander is starting his first season as number one after ending a wait of more than three years by overtaking Federer in August.
Nadal compiled one of the best seasons in tennis history last year, winning his fourth successive French Open and ending Federer's five-year Wimbledon reign in a classic final.
He also took the gold medal at the Beijing Olympics and claimed eight titles in all, more than any other player on tour.
Agence France-Presse
"He played aggressively, it's not easy to play against someone who plays inside the court and hits big shots with the forehand," Nadal said.
"But I feel very comfortable here and I'm very happy with the victory."
The 22-year-old broke twice before sealing the opening set with an ace, then took the second at a canter and clinched victory on his first match point when Karanusic put a forehand wide.
The top seeds have all excelled here with three-time champion Roger Federer and defending champion Novak Djokovic both impressive in their early matches.
Nadal had a slow start to the year after an extended off-season with ongoing knee problems, but he has been in lightning form here as he bids to add the Australian Open to his Wimbledon and French Open crowns.
The Majorcan left-hander is starting his first season as number one after ending a wait of more than three years by overtaking Federer in August.
Nadal compiled one of the best seasons in tennis history last year, winning his fourth successive French Open and ending Federer's five-year Wimbledon reign in a classic final.
He also took the gold medal at the Beijing Olympics and claimed eight titles in all, more than any other player on tour.
Agence France-Presse
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