Rafael Nadal, 5th in the world, gained momentum to beat without trembling 6-2, 6-3, 6-4 the German Yannick Hanfmann (126th), who nevertheless played at a very high level, Wednesday in the 2nd round of the International ‘Australia.
“Today his level was much higher than his ranking indicates,” insisted the 35-year-old Spaniard about his opponent.
Nadal will face the Russian Karen Khachanov (30th) or the Frenchman Benjamin Bonzi (63rd) on Friday for a place in the round of 16.
He had already impressed in the 1st round by eliminating the American Marcos Giron (66th) 6-1, 6-4, 6-2 for his return to Major, after months of treating a foot injury then a Covid contracted in December and who put it flat.
Faced with Hanfmann, who bravely played his luck, he appeared very solid during the 2h42 that the game lasted, both physically and in his game (30 winning moves for 26 unforced errors), even if it took him five match points to conclude.