Rafael Nadal: I made positive start to my Australian Open campaign

World No. 1 Rafael Nadal was happy to see Hugo Dellien playing on the biggest stage but also with the fact that he himself started the Australian Open with a straight-set win.

The top-seeded Spaniard made a convincing start to his campaign at Melbourne Park as he saw off Bolivian world No. 73 Hugo Dellien 6-2 6-3 6-0. 

Dellien, who enjoyed a breakthrough season on the Tour last year, became the first Bolivian player to feature at the Australian Open.

"He’s a fighter, he has a great story behind him,” Nadal said of Dellien, per the tournament's website.

“Happy for him that he’s playing at a very high level. Positive start for me here. What you want in the first round is just to win, and if it’s in straight sets better."

Nadal knows it will be extremely important for him to keep his matches short and take good care of his body as he isn't as fresh as many players are. 

"Has been not a lot of time between seasons this time,” Nadal added.

“I finished late at the Davis Cup (in November), and started with a very demanding competition in the ATP Cup. I think I take it a little bit slower at the beginning of last week and then increase the intensity of the practices to try to be here competitively."

Nadal plays next against the winner of the match between Joao Sousa and Federico Delbonis.

from Tennis World USA https://ift.tt/3awCUdF