AO: Nadal through to second round
A bit close for comfort…
Second seed Rafael Nadal has fended off a spirited challenge from qualifier Viktor Troicki tonight to win his opening match of the 2008 Australian Open 7-6 (7-3) 7-5 6-1.
The gangly Serbian Troicki surprised many with his unorthodox action, taking Nadal to a tie-break in the opening set which he eventually lost 7-3.
Again in the second, Nadal narrowly edged out the Serb winning the set 7-5.
In a testament to the pre-game script Nadal won the final set with relative ease 6-1, breaking Troicki three times.
Surprisingly, Nadal hit just the 24 winners for the match to Troicki’s 40.
Nadal will now face Florent Serra in the second round on Wednesday.
Match Facts
- Winners: Nadal 24, Troicki 40
- Aces: Nadal 4, Troicki 14
- Unforced Errors: Nadal 16, Troicki 41
- Ist Serve %: Nadal 62%, Troicki 67%
- Break Points Won : Nadal 5/12, Troicki 2/5
AO
