Australian Open: Rafael Nadal beats Giron, claims his 70th match-win
Spanish ace Rafael Nadal is off to a seamless start at the 2022 Australian Open. He downed world number 66 Marcos Giron 6-1, 6-4, 6-2 to proceed to the second round. Nadal wasn't perturbed by the foot injury that ruled him out of the US Open last year. The world number five claimed his 70th match-win at the Australian Open.
Nadal won a total of 91 points and 34 winners in the match. He registered seven aces as compared to Giron's two. The Spaniard saved both break points he faced in the match. He won 45% of receiving points (33/74) and 72% of net points (18/25). Both players recorded two double faults each. Giron smashed the fastest serve of the match (205 KPH).
As stated, Nadal won his 70th match at the Australian Open. The 35-year-old has a win-loss record of 70-15 at his Slam. Nadal won his only Australian Open title in 2009. He defeated Swiss ace Roger Federer 7-5, 3-6, 7-6(3), 3-6, 6-2 in an epic finale battle. The former became the first Spanish player to win the Australian Open.
Match-win #70 at the Australian Open for @RafaelNadal 🙌
— ATP Tour (@atptour) January 17, 2022
He starts his #AusOpen campaign with a 6-1 6-4 6-2 win over Giron.
🎥: @AustralianOpen | #AO2022 pic.twitter.com/o0Pu2oVU78
Nadal improves to a 4-0 record in 2022. Earlier this month, he won the Melbourne Summer Set after defeating Maxime Cressy. He outplayed the American qualifier 7-6(6), 6-3 in the final to win his 89th tour-level title. With this, Nadal extended his streak of winning at least one ATP Tour title every year since 2004. Notably, the Spaniard hasn't dropped a set this year.
Nadal could be the second man after Novak Djokovic to win all four Grand Slams at least twice. The former owns a record 13 French Open, two Wimbledon, and four US Open titles. As per ATP, Nadal could also be the third man in the Open Era to win the Australian Open after turning 35 after Roger Federer and Ken Rosewall.
Nadal has the best chance to win the Australian Open in the absence of Djokovic, who owns nine titles. The latter is missing the tournament after getting deported from Australia. If Nadal lifts the trophy at Melbourne Park, he will break a tie with Djokovic and Federer in terms of major titles. At the moment, all three players are tied at 20.
