Melbourne: World number one Rafael Nadal began his Australian Open campaign with a thumping win over Dominican player Victor Estrella Burgos on Monday.
The Spaniard advanced to the second round of the season’s first Grand Slam after defeating Burgos 6-1, 6-1, 6-1 in 94 minutes on Rod Laver Arena.
The 31-year-old will now face Leonardo Mayer of Argentina on Wednesday in his bid for a second Australian Open title and his 17th Grand Slam.
In another men’s singles, Australia’s Nick Kyrgios thrashed Rogerio Dutra Silva of Brazil 6-1, 6-2, 6-4 to storm into the second round.
Meanwhile, Bulgaria’s Grigor Dimitrov defeated Dennis Novak 6-3, 6-2, 6-1 in the match which lasted over one hour 38 minutes.
Croatia’s sixth seed Marin Cilic beat Canadian Vasek Pospisil 6-2, 6-2, 4-6, 7-6 (7-5) while Britain’s Kyle Edmund outplayed Kevin Anderson 6-7(4), 6-3, 3-6, 6-3, 6-4 in the first round.
However, American player Jack Sock suffered defeat on the opening day as he went down 6-1, 7-6, (7-4) 5-7, 6-3 to Yuichi Sugita of Japan.
ANI