Rafael Nadalwalk to the third round of the open d’Australie was briefly interrupted on Thursday when a unruly spectator was removed of the Rod Laver Arena for stopping play as the second-seeded Spaniard looked on amusedly.
The incident did not affect the game, however, as the world number two complicated an impressive performance to sideline US qualifier Michael Mmoh 6-1 6-4 6-2 and stay on track for a 21st Grand Slam record title.
Nadal was serving for the second set at 5-4 when he was interrupted by a disturbance in the stands. The chair umpire asked a spectator to be quiet and when Nadal looked towards the crowd she showed him the middle finger.
“What? I? Nadal asked in puzzlement in response, keeping a smile on his face as he looked at the woman.
After a few points in the game, she again interrupted the game and was then removed by security.
Asked during his interview on the pitch if he knew the spectator, Nadal laughingly said: “No. And honestly, I don’t want to know.
“Maybe she took too much gin or tequila,” Nadal later told reporters, continuing to smile. “But honestly, it was (a) weird but funny situation at the same time.
“Someone is pointing at me, I don’t know the reason, but I was surprised, yes, but at the same time I was thinking, ‘poor girl’, because she was probably drunk or something.
BACK PROBLEMS
Nadal did not play in the ATP Cup campaign in Spain last week with a back problem and after his first victory in Melbourne he said the injury still bothered him.
The basic problem still worried him, the Spaniard said after reaching the third round where he faces Briton Cameron Norrie, adding that he is trying to find solutions to deal with it.
Nadal showed no discernible signs of discomfort against the 177th-ranked Mmoh under the closed roof in the last game of the evening and dotted the blue court of 40 winners as the American watched helplessly.
The Spain southpaw converted five of his 11 break points against Mmoh without giving his opponent a single opportunity on his own serve.
Nadal’s forehand is considered one of the best in the game, but his doubles backhand was also strong against Mmoh.
“I’ve improved my backhand my whole career,” he said. “When I was younger I could run everywhere. Now I need to have better shots and the backhand is a big blow for me now.
“When I play the backhand well, the field opens up better for me. I can produce angles with my forehand, but when my backhand is working I’m normally able to play much better.
The 2009 champion, who is tied with Roger Federer for 20 Grand Slam singles titles, is now preparing to face the 69th Norrie, who beat Russian qualifier Roman Safiullin 3-6 7-5 6-3 7-6 ( 3) after a delay of rain and change of yard.
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