Nadal advances after tight first set

RAFAEL NADAL was one point away from losing the first set before rallying to take command of his first-round match with American Robert Kendrick to move into the second round of the Australian Open in Melbourne.

The first set was decided 8-6 in a tiebreaker after which the second seed upped the tempo and closed out the remaining sets 6-3 6-2.

In other matches, American James Blake, in a repeat of last week’s Medibank International final in Sydney, proved too good for Spaniard Carlos Moya as he charged to a 7-6 (10-8) 6-2 6-4 win.

You have reached your article limit. Already a subscriber? Sign in

Unlimited access starts here.

Try from only €0.25 a day.

Cancel anytime

More in this section

Sport

Newsletter

Sign up to our daily sports bulletin, delivered straight to your inbox at 5pm. Subscribers also receive an exclusive email from our sports desk editors every Friday evening looking forward to the weekend's sporting action.

Cookie Policy Privacy Policy Brand Safety FAQ Help Contact Us Terms and Conditions

© Examiner Echo Group Limited