Rafael Nadal passes stern Leonardo Mayer test to advance to Australian Open 2018 third round
Rafael Nadal continued his excellent start to the 2018 Australian Open with a 6-3, 6-4, 7-6 win over Leonardo Mayer on Wednesday.
While the scoreline looks straightforward, Nadal had to be at his very best to overcome an inspired opponent who pushed him all the way in a hugely entertaining third set.
Mayer looked to be down an out when Nadal served for the match up two sets and 5-4, but he rallied impressively and broke back before forcing a tie-break.
Nadal though managed to up his level and hit a flurry of outstanding passing shots to win the breaker and advance to the third round in straight sets after 2hrs 38 mins.
The Spaniard's bid for a 17th grand slam title continues on Friday against the Bosnian 28th seed Damir Dzumhur.
.@RafaelNadal was very thankful of the @RodLaverArena crowd support in his post-match interview.#AusOpenpic.twitter.com/fWyXbaxOMu
— #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) January 17, 2018
Onwards
The scoreline makes that look straightforward but Nadal had to play absolutely brilliantly against an inspired opponent to win that in straight sets.
Next up for the world No 1 is a third round match on Friday against the Bosnian 28th seed Damir Dzumhur.
Nadal speaks
An important victory against a tough opponent. He has big potential, hits the ball so strong, I had to hit some great shots in the tie-break. Hes a very dangerous opponent, and we've been friends for a long time. Happy to be in the third round after not having competition for a long time.
It's always a very special to play in this court. It gives me great energy. Thank you to all the crowd, and many thanks for the support.
Hopefully Toni was watching the match at home. I have the team here working the right way, and Toni is always there if we need him. To my team, and my family this is the favourite tournament of the year so I want to be here as long as possible
Roger Rasheed the on-court interviewer then laboriously tries to ask Nadal questions about his golf, which doesn't really get anywhere.
Nadal also bats away questions about his knee, saying "I hope so" when Rasheed says he's looking as fit as a fiddle.
Game, set and match! Nadal defeats Mayer 6-3, 6-4, 7-6 (4)
A service winner wraps up a straight sets win for Nadal.
He's into the third round without having dropped a set.
The world No.1️⃣ is through to the third round! #AusOpenpic.twitter.com/DjhstN6gC8
— #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) January 17, 2018
Third set tie-break - Nadal* 6-4 Mayer (*next server)
Two match points for Nadal after a brilliant body serve-crosscourt forehand winner combo.
Third set tie-break - Nadal* 5-4 Mayer (*next server)
Nadal miscues a backhand return, and there's just one point in it. Nadal has two serves now to close out the match.
Third set tie-break - Nadal 5-3 Mayer* (*next server)
Mayer responds with an ace out wide of his own to reduce the deficit.
Third set tie-break - Nadal 5-2 Mayer* (*next server)
An ace out wide takes Nadal to within two points of the third round.
Third set tie-break - Nadal* 4-2 Mayer (*next server)
Nadal leaps into the air after crashing a brilliant backhand pass up the line that's too strong for Mayer at the net. Phenomenal hitting from the world No 1! Carlos Moya is off his feet applauding Nadal.
Wow... a @RafaelNadal special! #AusOpenpic.twitter.com/aR2QBQfKHA
— #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) January 17, 2018
Third set tie-break - Nadal* 3-2 Mayer (*next server)
Nadal is back up the mini-break as he screams a fizzing forehand pass beyond his opponent at the net.
Third set tie-break - Nadal 2-2 Mayer* (*next server)
Missed Nadal backhand return levels things up.
Third set tie-break - Nadal 2-1 Mayer* (*next server)
Hawkeye confirms that Mayer is inches wide with a backhand return, and Nadal edges ahead.
Third set tie-break - Nadal* 1-1 Mayer (*next server)
A well-controlled smash gets the mini-break straight back for Mayer.
Third set tie-break - Nadal* 1-0 Mayer (*next server)
A brilliant forehand winner down the line secures an early mini-break for Nadal.
Nadal 6-3, 6-4, 6-6 Mayer* (*next server) - Tie-break
A couple of Mayer errors, a Nadal forehand winner and a service winner secure a love hold for the Spaniard.
We're into a third set tie-break.
Nadal* 6-3, 6-4, 5-6 Mayer (*next server)
The level of this match really has been superb, especially this set. Against any other player Mayer would surely not be two sets to love down. At least he's kept himself in the match though, and he storms to a hold to 15 here with an ace and yet another forehand winner (his 13th of the match).
Nadal will serve to stay in the third set.
Nadal 6-3, 6-4, 5-5 Mayer* (*next server) - Mayer breaks back
A missed Nadal forehand gives Mayer encouragement at 0-15, before Rafa slams away a forehand winner for 15-15. Incredible shotmaking from Nadal, but Mayer responds in kind with a stinging backhand return for 15-30. The Argentine then bravely chips and charges on the next point, but Nadal cleverly draws a missed volley with a dipping backhand pass. Mayer though is not done yet, and he crunches away a forehand winner for 30-40 and break back point. Nadal saves it with a big serve down the T that Mayer can only desperately return into the net. The Argentine then earns a second break point of the game by doing the impossible and out-hitting Nadal in a forehand to forehand exchange. Stunning stuff. And the next point is even better! Mayer flicks away a backhand winner return, and we're back on serve.
Mayer is still alive!
Nadal* 6-3, 6-4, 5-4 Mayer (*next server) - Nadal breaks
Mayer begins the game with an ace, which means he's hit aces in four of his last five service points. He then cracks away a forehand winner for 30-0, which means his last six service points have been either aces or forehand winners. Nadal ends the sequence by missing a backhand (and almost decapitating a ballgirl in the process), and a double fault and missed Mayer forehand have us at 40-30. It's then deuce after another double fault, and suddenly nervy moments for the Argentine. And would you believe it, a third double fault of the game hands Rafa advantage and break point. Can Nadal take this one? Yes he can! Brutal length from the Spaniard draws a missed Mayer backhand. Nadal screams "vamos!" and will now serve for the match. Bizarre implosion from Mayer there.
Nadal 6-3, 6-4, 4-4 Mayer* (*next server)
Nadal responds to Mayer's love service game with one of his own. Are we heading for a third set tie-breaker?
Nadal* 6-3, 6-4, 3-4 Mayer (*next server)
Ace, forehand winner, ace, ace. What a love service game that is for Mayer, who is playing lights out tennis all of a sudden. Nadal doing well to live with him at the moment.
Nadal 6-3, 6-4, 3-3 Mayer* (*next server) - Nadal saves a break point and holds
Mayer will be hoping that those missed opportunities might be preying on Nadal's mind, but the Spaniard shows no ill effects by beginning the game with an absolute howitzer of a forehand winner up the line. Mayer though is playing superbly himself, and he gets to 30-30 with a superb drop volley. It's then 30-40 and a break point - his first since the first set - for Mayer, as he rips away a forehand winner down the line. The odds look decent for Mayer when he clumps a backhand return off a Nadal second serve, but Rafa responds with an even more powerful forehand winner. Absolutely superb from both men. Nadal screams "vamos!" in celebration, and then reels off the next two points to complete the hold.
Still no breaks of serve in what's been a hugely entertaining third set.
Nadal* 6-3, 6-4, 2-3 Mayer (*next server) - Mayer saves three break points and holds
Brilliant from Rafa, and something a little out of the ordinary, as the Spaniard gets to 0-30 with an awkward backhand sliced passing shot that somehow dips onto the line. Mayer then nets a backhand and it's three break points at 0-40. But what a response from the Argentine, who saves them all with a brilliant forehand winner, an ace, and then a textbook stop volley. No wonder he grins and looks up at his camp in relief. Another ace follows, and a service winner then wraps up a hugely impressive service hold.
Nadal 6-3, 6-4, 2-2 Mayer* (*next server)
Can Mayer finally put some pressure on the Nadal serve this game? Not really. The Argentine does at least get a point on the board for 15-15, but Nadal slams the door shut with two scorching forehand winners. A service winner then secures another comfortable hold.
Nadal* 6-3, 6-4, 1-2 Mayer (*next server)
Mayer is hanging in by his fingernails here, clinging on to his serve to 30 with Nadal pushing him all the way. A missed Rafa forehand eventually hands his opponent the hold.
Nadal 6-3, 6-4, 1-1 Mayer* (*next server)
Mayer is just getting nowhere near the Nadal serve. Once again Rafa rattles through a love service game, and straight away the pressure swings back to his opponent.
Nadal* 6-3, 6-4, 0-1 Mayer (*next server)
After dropping his serve early in each of the first two sets, it's crucial Mayer gets the hold here. Nadal as ever pushes him close, but Mayer claims a hold to 30 when Nadal misses a forehand.
Nadal 6-3, 6-4 Mayer* (*next server) - Game and second set Nadal
Not sure about the country music being played at the change of ends, and neither by the look of his raised eyebrow is Nadal. Once the game starts though, Rafa is back to his prowling, menacing best. He races to 30-0 with more bruising forehand hitting, and though Mayer finally gets point in a Nadal service game, Rafa cruises to a hold to 15 and that is the second set. Nadal looks to his box and pumps his fist. He's well on his way here.
Nadal a set away from the third round.
Sealed with a winner �� @RafaelNadal takes the second set 6-4.#AusOpenpic.twitter.com/HdLNNEUPGi
— #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) January 17, 2018
Nadal* 6-3, 5-4 Mayer (*next server)
Once again, Nadal is giving Mayer no respite on his serve. A brilliant inside out forehand makes it 30-30, and moves Rafa to within two points of a two-set lead. Again though, Mayer finds just enough to claim a hold - sealing the game with a forehand winner.
Nadal will serve for the second set.
New balls please...
������@RafaelNadal#AusOpenpic.twitter.com/Qm1VV3rlil— #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) January 17, 2018
Nadal 6-3, 5-3 Mayer* (*next server)
Nadal has troubled Mayer in every one of his service games this set, but when the Spaniard has been serving it's been one way traffic. He holds to love again here and has now won 12 service points in a row.
Nadal* 6-3, 4-3 Mayer (*next server) - Mayer saves two break points and holds
Nadal again makes inroads on his opponents serve, and he forces a break point at 30-40 when he bullies Mayer into missing an attempted backhand pass. Mayer saves it when Nadal misses a forehand return, but Rafa quickly earns another one when excellent defence draws a missed forehand from his opponent. Again though he misses a forehand, and Mayer then finds two big serves to grind out another hold.
Nadal 6-3, 4-2 Mayer* (*next server)
Nadal has only been broken once this tournament, and is serving like a dream today. He's got a staggering 76 per cent of first serves in this match, and holds to love here in the blink of an eye.
Nadal* 6-3, 3-2 Mayer (*next server)
Exceptional level from both players, who each scream winners away this game for 30-30. An ace down the T then takes Mayer to 40-30, and he completes the hold when Rafa nets a backhand.
Nadal 6-3, 3-1 Mayer* (*next server)
Continuing the pattern of Mayer doing everything right but getting little reward, he scorches a backhand winner up the line for 0-15, but is quickly down 30-15 after a Nadal ace and service winner. Moments later Nadal has held to 15 thanks to another service winner, and a beautifully balanced crosscourt forehand winner.
Nadal* 6-3, 2-1 Mayer (*next server)
Impressive resolve from Mayer here, as he rallies from 0-30 down to eke out a hold to 30, secured with a beautiful serve-volley play. The Argentine is actually playing very well, but he just can't quite match his opponent's ridiculously high level.
Nadal 6-3, 2-0 Mayer* (*next server)
This is warning sign stuff from Nadal now. He is pinging forehand winners seemingly at will, and Mayer is chasing shadows as he falls down 30-0. The Argentine decides to throw caution to the wind and responds with two brilliant winners - one off either wing, both down the line - for 30-30. Nadal though then draws a couple of errors and holds to 30. Mayer played two absolutely brilliant shots that game, and still didn't even force deuce. That must be so demoralising.
Bottle placement on point. @RafaelNadal#AusOpenpic.twitter.com/apNOKZ8MGT
— #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) January 17, 2018
Nadal* 6-3, 1-0 Mayer (*next server) - Nadal breaks
So good from Nadal. He is squarely in the groove now, and he thwacks away an inside out forehand winner for 0-30. Soon after it's 15-40 and two break points when a frazzled Mayer sprays a forehand long. And Nadal takes it with a sublime backhand return crosscourt winner. How did Rafa even do that? He was standing so far behind the baseline (as he has been throughout the match when returning) but finds the perfect angle to send the ball spinning away from his opponent.
Nadal a set and a break up.
Nadal 6-3 Mayer* (*next server) - Game and first set Nadal
Nadal kicks the game off with a forehand winner and service winner to go up 30-0, and he has two more set points when Mayer nets an attempted backhand pass. Nadal celebrates the miss with a big fist pump. Mayer saves the first one, but Nadal at last claims the set - at the sixth time of asking - when Mayer sends a backhand long.
Nadal has won 95 per cent of his career matches after winning the first set.
Nadal* 5-3 Mayer (*next server) - Mayer saves four set points and holds
Relentless from Rafa. Mayer attempts an aborted charge to the net to fall down 0-15, before a trademark whipped Nadal forehand winner up the line has us at 0-30. A missed Mayer forehand then hands Nadal three set points at 0-40. Credit Mayer though, as he saves them all - the first two with big serve/forehand winner combos, and the third when Nadal weakly nets a forehand. Mayer then forces a game point, but Nadal saves it sensationally with a 100mph backhand winner up the line! Absolutely extraordinary to get that sort of pace on a backhand. Mayer though is digging in, and after Nadal forces a fourth set point, he again brings out a forehand winner to save it. An ace and a service winner follow, and Mayer very impressively digs out the hold.
Nadal will serve for the first set.
Nadal 5-2 Mayer* (*next server)
Mayer is really going after the Nadal serve this game, and he crunches away a crosscourt forehand winner to go up 15-30. His countryman Juan Martin del Potro would have been proud of that one. Mayer though then makes three consecutive errors, and Nadal holds to 30. It is roasting in Melbourne incidentally - it's 5.15pm and still over 30 degrees.
Mayer will serve to stay in the opening set.
Strong start from Nadal
Rafa has picked up an early break, and leads 4-2 in this Australian Open second round match against Argentina's Leonardo Mayer.
