Rafael Nadal needed five match points before fending off tenacious German qualifier Yannick Hanfmann at the Australian Open on Wednesday and continuing his march to a record 21st Grand Slam title. The Spanish world number five was still in control in a 6-2, 6-3, 6-4 win in 2:42 in hot conditions at Rod Laver Arena to enter the third set. “He’s a player with big shots, good serve and he has very high potential,” Nadal said of the 126th-ranked Hanfmann, who fought more than the scoreline suggested.
Next up for Nadal is either Russian 28th seed Karen Khachanov or Frenchman Benjamin Bonzi.
Nadal, with two service breaks, won the first set after 48 minutes with a backhand winner in the top corner.
The meticulous Spaniard continued to move Hanfmann down the court and claimed another break of serve with a forehand winner for 5-3 and served it for a two-set lead.
Another early serve break had Nadal on his way to the third set, but he needed five match points to close it out.
His 5-0 record in 2022 is a good start after an injury-troubled last year, but he’s yet to face a top-60 player in the new year.
Nadal, the only Australian Open champion in the men’s draw after nine-time winner Novak Djokovic was expelled on the eve of the tournament, is vying with Djokovic and Roger Federer for the men’s record 21st Grand Slam crown .
Nadal’s 2021 season ended prematurely in August due to his left foot injury before he contracted Covid-19 in December.
The tall Spaniard has only played 13 tournaments in the past two seasons.
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