New Delhi: Spanish tennis player Rafael Nadal cruised into round three after defeating German qualifier Yannick Hanfmann 6-2, 6-3, 6-4 in round two of the Australia Open 2022 at the Rod Laver Arena, Melbourne Park, on Wednesday, January 19, 2022.
Hanfmann began the first set on a powerful note, despite the windy weather. Rafael received a breakpoint on his first serve and was leading.
Nadal made 8 breakpoints on his first serve and made 7 aces throughout the match. Rafael made 2 breakpoint saves and broke the German’s serve four times while Hanfmann tried to level scores.
A visibly frustrated Hanfmann ultimately gave in to the windy weather and made several unforced errors and nets. Though the two were close to reaching a deuce on several occasions, Rafael took charge and smashed victories in all three sets.
Rafael needed at least 5 match points in the final set. However, Hanfmann sent a long forehand across, and Rafael took the opportunity. He smashed consecutive 3 points as the German made more errors. The Spaniard defeated Hanfmann in three consecutive sets.
The 2009 Australian Open champion aims to win the 4 major Grand Slams twice after Novak Djokovic. He is in the race to become the third man beyond 35 years in the Open Arena after Roger Federer and Ken Rosewall.
(Avya Mathur)
