Rafael Nadal ran into absolutely no problems in his first-round match at the Australian Open on Tuesday afternoon, as he rolled over Florian Mayer 6-3, 6-4, 6-4 in two hours and four minutes. Nadal converted only three of 12 break-point chances, but he has to be thrilled with the fact that he did not face a single break point on his own serve.
One break in each set was enough for the 14-time Grand Slam champion to take care of Mayer, who did not play poorly. The 33-year-old German finished with 23 winners and 27 unforced errors, a commendable ratio against a defender of Nadal’s caliber on a medium-paced hard court. Nadal recorded 39 winners and 31 errors and did not double-fault once while striking six aces.
“I think I played solid match,” the world No. 9 assessed. “It was great to be back on the big stadium. I feel the support of the people, love of the people. That is something that is very special for me. I am happy the way I am playing. I had [some] good weeks of practice… I always expect difficult matches. Today was not an easy match.”
Nadal-Mayer highlights:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k1ReFEOQAmE
If Nadal’s match wasn’t easy, Alexander Zverev–whom the Spaniard could meet in round three–was positively taxing. The 19-year-old German battled back from two sets to one down and a break down in the fourth to outlast Robin Haase 6-2, 3-6, 5-7, 6-3, 6-2.
Zverev destroyed a racket after getting broken early in set four, at which point he was seemingly on his way to a surprising first-round defeat. But that incident seemed to get him back on track, whereas the ever-fragile Haase imploded as he neared the finish line.
— doublefault28 (@doublefault28) January 17, 2017
“If you’re down two sets to one and 2-0 and 0-40 on your serve, there are thoughts going through your head a little bit,” Zverev explained. “But I kept playing, and I knew I had to keep playing and try my best. You know, I’m happy to get out of that.
“I felt pretty okay. [Haase] got a little bit tired, I thought. His energy went down. I don’t know if that’s because he’s tired or if because he lost the fourth set where he may have thought he should have won. But I picked it up and I played great the fifth set.”
Next up for Zverev is Frances Tiafoe, who defeated Mikhail Kukushkin in four sets.
Zverev-Haase highlights:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sEsRRuyRYeg
[polldaddy poll=9638660]
[polldaddy poll=9638659]
some good second-rounders
Zverev had to go five sets? I am looking forward to Tiafoe playing him. That should be a good one!
Rafa knows Baggy well and should be ready. Baggy is a cagey veteran but their h2h is 8-1 in Rafa’s favor. I remember when Rafa lost to him in 2010 at Cincy. Rafa came into Montreal and Cincy with almost no prep and wasn’t ready. At that time no one was predicting that Rafa would win the USO.
I think Rafa should win in 3 sets maybe losing 13 games, maybe less.
Zverev looked scary good in the first set! I thought he would have an easy time with Haase and switched to WTA! I was in shock to see him lose next two sets and break down in the forth! I must admit huge disappointment when he managed to get back into the match. Haase’s level dropped and he was never able to recover. Bummer! I really wanted Zverev to go home ?
a 5-setter in the legs helps Nadal
Mmmm, not so much for a 19 yr old.
But every bit helps!
As Rafa would say, one match at a time. Needs to get past Aussie Open
“5-Set-Wonda-Thrilla-When-Down-Unda” Bagdhatis first.
Rafa back to obsessively avoiding stepping on lines again. He tried stepping on a few last year. Guess it wasn’t working for him.
#StepTalk
dammit, never remember where to put that h.
#DontAnswer
Baggy has 21 career 5-set matches at slams, 11 of which are at the Australian Open (and all of them at night I’m guessing).
9-2 record.
Would rather it be a day match (given that the forecast is cooler), but educated guess Rafa will be getting a late night start.
Well, last night match showed Rafa’s fit enough! He seemed to be faster than usual (relative to last year) and Mayer showed difficulties caching his breath after some long points in which Rafa dictated. Baghdatis is sure dangerous but I think fitness wise can not match Nadal! Zverev however (unfortunately!) showed last night no issues in playing long five-setter under the sun…
Good point!
My last comment was meant for Ricky mentioning that a five setter could tire out Zverev. We will have to see how it goes with Tiafoe.
I would have been fine with Zverev losing to Haase.
On the tennis channel last night they were talking about Rafa having a night match next. I probably won’t be able to stay up to see that one!
Hello Nny,
To me Sascha’s road looked tricky and I thought he’d be significantly worn out (and inexperienced) by the time he got to Rafa. So I have Sascha losing Rafa then Rafa losing to Raonic. Have not seen any matches since Sunday but I liked Rafa’s draw…maybe he can even beat Milos!
Btw, I don’t see you in Ricky’s tournytopia bracket 🙁
rc,
I went there and saw something about having to register. I did it earlier today.
When did you look at the ATP bracket challenge? Maybe I was too late. That would be a bummer!
Tiafoe has a much better shot at taking Zverev down than Baghdatis does against Rafa imo.
No argument there.
Yes, I agree with that. I make no bones about it, I want Tiafoe to beat Zverev because I have had my eye on him and want to see h do well. I also would rather not see Rafa face Zverev, although I do think Rafa can beat him. He is looking much better than he did last year at this time.