Rafael Nadal advanced to the third round of the Australian Open by defeating qualifier Yannick Hanfmann.
Sixth seed Nadal defeated Germany’s Hanfmann 6-2 6-3 6-4 on his way to potentially claiming a men’s record 21st Grand Slam championship.
Before the 2009 champion won on Rod Laver Arena, Hanfmann saved four match points, including two on the Spaniard’s serve.
Nadal is the only previous champion still in the men’s draw, having reached the final five times in Melbourne.
Due to a foot injury, he had to cut short his 2021 season, but he has since made a successful comeback, winning his first tournament back in the lead-up to the Australian Open.
On his path to victory, he created 16 break point opportunities against the German, converting four of them, and hitting 30 winners.
Following that, Nadal will face either Russian 28th seed Karen Khachanov or Frenchman Benjamin Bonzi.
