Rafael Nadal in First Round ACtion Australian Open Tennis 2022 Melbourne Park, Australia Day 1 Monday 17 January 2022 PHOTO BY KARL WINTER
Rafa Nadal helped close out the Novak Djokovic distraction with a dominant straight sets win on day one of the Australian Open on Monday.
Nadal used his trademark forehand to beat off American Marcos Giron 6-1, 6-4, 6-2 on Rod Laver Arena in one hour and 48 minutes.
“You never know when you come back from injuries, things are difficult, you go day by day, but I’m staying positive,” Nadal said.
“I won three matches and a title here last week. I have had very challenging months, tough moments and a lot of doubts, but I have been able to manage my foot injury.”
Nadal hit 34 winners in the match to outclass Giron as he looks to win a record 21st men’s grand slam singles crown.
Nadal will next play Australian Thanasi Kokkinakis or Germany’s Yannick Hanfmann in the second round.
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