Rafael Nadal’s quest for a second Australian Open crown is still very much alive after recording a resounding 6-3, 6-4, 6-4 win over Florian Mayer in the first round on Tuesday. It was a fantastic performance from Nadal who needed just two hours and four minutes to produce the straight-sets victory. With the win, Nadal booked a place in the second round of the Australian Open for the 11th time in his career.
Playing in Rod Laver Arena, Nadal displayed the aggressiveness that made him one of the most feared players in the men’s game. He outhit Mayer in the winners department, 39-23. Waiting in the next round for Nadal is the talented Marcos Baghdatis. This will be the 10th meeting between the two stars in the ATP Tour with Nadal currently holding an 8-1 advantage. For Nadal to extend his dominance against Baghdatis, he needs to continue his strong net play in the second round. He won 11 of his 16 net points against Mayer on Tuesday.
Marcos Baghdatis has been handed a free pass into the second round of the 2017 Australian Open after Mikhail Youzhny retired from their round-of-128 clash with an injury. Things are bound to get tougher, though, for the Cypriot as he will next face the great Rafael Nadal. For Baghdatis to record a major shock this coming Thursday and grab just his second career win against Nadal, the Cypriot needs to dominate with his service game. Baghdatis won 88 percent of his first serve points in his shortened-match win against Youzhny.
It’s crucial for Baghdatis that he gets something going against Nadal’s serve. The 14-time grand slam champion blasted six aces and won 77 percent of his first serve points in his first-round win over Florian Mayer. Baghdatis will take heart, though, in his performance against Youzhny in the previous round wherein he won 49 percent of his receiving points.
Baghdatis is 5-5 in his last 10 matches.
Writer’s Prediction
Nadal (-1,500) edges past Baghdatis in four tough sets.
