Nadal spins his way into third round with near flawless display

Nadal spins his way into third round with near flawless display
Tennis - Australian Open - Second Round - Melbourne Park, Melbourne, Australia, January 16, 2019. Spain's Rafael Nadal celebrates after winning the match against Australia's Matthew Ebden. REUTERS/Edgar Su Copyright EDGAR SU(Reuters)
By Reuters
Share this articleComments
Share this articleClose Button

MELBOURNE (Reuters) - Rafa Nadal picked apart second round opponent Matthew Ebden 6-3 6-2 6-2 at the Australian Open on Wednesday, in a near flawless display of top-spinning artistry.

The second seed overcame an early first set challenge from the Australian, who should have secured a break-of-serve with the scores locked at 3-3.

Ebden missed a backhand volley off an unexceptional passing shot - and it proved costly.

The Australian was broken the next game, succumbing with a double-fault, and the Spaniard went through the broken line of defence.

The 17-times Grand Slam winner was never seriously challenged again, and moved seamlessly into the third round where he will play either Alex de Minaur or Henri Laaksonen.

(Reporting by Jonathan Barrett in MELBOURNE; Editing by Christian Radnedge)

Share this articleComments

You might also like

What is it like to follow European football in Australia?

Rugby World Cup: Fiji beat Australia for the first time in 69 years

FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023: What legacy does this tournament leave?