Australian Open 2020 news - Rafael Nadal through to third round with straight sets win
/dnl.eurosport.com/sd/img/placeholder/eurosport_logo_1x1.png){kind=logo}
ByEurosport
Updated 23/01/2020 at 13:51 GMT
Rafael Nadal is through to the third round of the Australian Open thanks to a hard-fought but ultimately straight sets win over Federico Delbonis, finishing 6-3 7-6 6-1.
Rafael Nadal
Image credit: Getty Images
Nadal edged a tough first set, taking it 6-4 with a string of long rallies testing the players in the humid conditions.
At times the tennis on show was as the highest quality, with a match highlight being a spectacular full-stretch sliced volley by Nadal that left the Eurosport commentators in awe.
/origin-imgresizer.eurosport.com/2020/01/23/2759860-57019210-2560-1440.jpg)
Nadal wins remarkable rally with flying backhand sliced volley - 'Thats so hard to play!'
A second set tie-break proved the clincher, with Nadal taking it 7-4 before running away with the third set to reach the next round.
It was a tough match, I lost a lot of opportunities on the break points but I found a way of winning the second set and was more aggressive in the third set.
The match will be largely remembered for an incident late on where a wayward return from Nadal cannoned at pace into the head of a ball-girl, leading to a series of conversations between her and the Spaniard.
/origin-imgresizer.eurosport.com/2020/01/23/2759914-57020290-2560-1440.jpg)
Nadal kisses ballgirl after painful accident
Speaking after the match, Nadal commented further on the incident, explaining why he was so concerned for the ballgirl's safety:
She was a super brave girl. That was one of the scariest moments when the ball struck her on the head. I remember a moment at Wimbledon many years ago, so I'm glad she's all OK.
/origin-imgresizer.eurosport.com/2020/01/23/2759895-57019910-2560-1440.jpg)
'I was so scared for her!' - Nadal explains he feared for ballgirl after incident
Nadal could face Nick Kyrgios if he makes it through to the fourth round, reigniting a burgeoning rivalry.
Kyrgios also progressed to the third round on Thursday, but wouldn't be drawn on the prospect of facing his rival, saying: "I’m not thinking ahead. There are a lot of Aussies still in the draw, a lot of great players. I’m taking it one match at a time.”
Scan me
Related Topics
Share this article
/images.sports.gracenote.com/images/lib/basic/geo/country/flag/large/2203.png)
/images.sports.gracenote.com/images/lib/basic/geo/country/flag/large/2768.png)