2020 in Review: Rafael Nadal storms over Hugo Dellien for strong Melbourne start

World no. 1 and the 2009 Australian Open champion Rafael Nadal made a strong start in Melbourne, beating Hugo Dellien 6-2, 6-3, 6-0 in two hours and two minutes. Playing for the first time since the ATP Cup loss to Novak Djokovic, Nadal dictated the pace against the debutant with 38 winners and 21 unforced errors. The Spaniard dropped 19 points behind the initial shot and suffered two breaks from five chances offered to the Bolivian when he was already miles in front. On the other hand, Hugo struggled on both the first and second serve against the world's leading player, losing 53% of the points behind the initial shot and giving eight service games away from the massive 18 opportunities that Rafa created. Nadal secured a break in game two with a forehand down the line winner and fended off two break chances in the next one when Dellien sprayed unforced errors. The Bolivian squandered no less than five game points at 0-3 and sent a forehand wide to suffer a break and find himself further down.

Rafa forced Hugo's error in the fifth game to increase the advantage, serving for the set at 5-1 and offering his opponent two break chances. The Spaniard sprayed a forehand mistake to give serve away before securing the third break for 6-2 after 52 minutes. Dellien produced great serving in the opening two games of the second set to follow Nadal's pace, spoiling all that after a backhand error in game six that sent Rafa 4-2 in front.

Rafael Nadal lost five games against Hugo Dellien in Melbourne.

The Bolivian stayed focused, pulling the break back a few minutes later after forcing Nadal's error at the net and getting back on the positive side. Bouncing back, Nadal grabbed another break that pushed him 5-3 up, wrapping up the set with a service winner in game nine to move closer to the finish line.

Giving his 120%, Hugo fended off five break points at the beginning of the third set before Rafa converted the sixth, holding after deuce in game two following another backhand mistake from the Bolivian. Hugo netted a backhand in game three to fall further behind, finding himself 4-0 down thanks to an ace from Rafa in game four. The Spaniard placed a volley winner in game five and moved over the top with a forehand winner in the next one to book the place in the second round. It was the 61st victory for Rafa in Melbourne, looking sharp and determined to go as far as possible and defend the ATP throne from Novak Djokovic. Nadal's second-round opponent was Federico Delbonis.

from Tennis World USA https://ift.tt/2VLBBSg