Australian Open: Rafael Nadal cruises into the second round

Rafael Nadal wins the first round of the Australian Open after a cruising win over Marcos Giron from the USA.

The Spanish star Rafael Nadal started his campaign for a record 21 Grand Slam title with a 6-1 6-4 6-2 win over USA’s Marcos Giron on Monday to advance into the second round of the Australian Open.

With Novak Djokovic debarred from Australia by Australian authorities and the swiss national Roger Federer not available for the tournament, Nadal has a great opportunity to claim the men’s all-time Slam record by winning the Australian Open this year.

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The El Nino had a brilliant start at Rod Laver after winning the first-round match against the world number 66 Marcos Giron y smashing 34 winners and outplayed the American.

Sixth seed Rafael will face the winner from the qualifier Yannick Hanfmann and the wild card entry Thanasi Kokkinakis for entry in the third round.

Nadal has overall success in the Slams but has only won the Australian Open in the year 2009 and would be looking forward to winning it at Melbourne Park,  but will have to face competition from the other favorites like Daniil Medvedev from Russia, the German Alexander Zverev and Greece International Stefanos Tsitsipas who will also be aiming to win the Australian Open.

The El Nino will create history if he wins the Australian Open which ends on 30 January becoming the first man to win 21 Grand Slams going past Roger Federer who is tied with him on 20.