Australian Open: 2018 Top Seed Rafael Nadal beats Leonardo Mayer
Top seed Rafael Nadal progressed to the last 32 of the Australian Open with a straight-set victory over Argentina’s Leonardo Mayer in Melbourne.
The Spaniard, 31, beat world number 52 Mayer 6-3 6-4 7-6 (7-4) in two hours 38 minutes on Rod Laver Arena.
Mayer responded to a Nadal break in the final set with one of his own, before the 2009 champion took the tie-break.
“I’m happy to be in the third round and a second victory in a row is very important news for me,” said Nadal.
“Leonardo is a player with big potential, he hits the ball so strong. He is a very dangerous opponent.
“This tournament is my favourite of the year, so I want to stay here as long as possible.”
Nadal will face Bosnia and Herzegovina’s Damir Dzumhur in the next round after the world number 30 beat John Millman 7-5 3-6 6-4 6-1.
