Share

Nadal through in opener

Melbourne - World number one Rafael Nadal progressed to the second round of the Australian Open after his Brazilian opponent Marcos Daniel retired during the second set with a knee injury on Tuesday.

The Spanish top seed, bidding for his fourth straight major title to complete a non-calendar year Grand Slam, was leading 6-0, 5-0 at the time of the Brazilian's retirement with left knee trouble.

Daniel took a medical timeout after losing the opening set in 19 minutes and looked a disconsolate figure as he hobbled around centre court unable to chase down Nadal's volleys.

After his sixth service break, Daniel walked to the net and conceded defeat to Nadal on 47 minutes.

Nadal was sympathetic with Daniel's plight after being forced out with a knee injury in the quarter-finals to Andy Murray in last year's Australian Open.

"It's a terrible feeling to pull out of a match with an injury and I wish him all the best and a fast recovery," Nadal said. "If you are feeling bad you should not go on and it's best for the recovery."

Nadal is chasing his second Australian title and his 10th Grand Slam trophy in Melbourne.

At last year's US Open, Nadal became the seventh man in history to win all four Grand Slam titles and became the youngest man in the Open Era to do so.

We live in a world where facts and fiction get blurred
Who we choose to trust can have a profound impact on our lives. Join thousands of devoted South Africans who look to News24 to bring them news they can trust every day. As we celebrate 25 years, become a News24 subscriber as we strive to keep you informed, inspired and empowered.
Join News24 today
heading
description
username
Show Comments ()
Voting Booth
Should Siya Kolisi keep the captaincy as the Springboks build towards their World Cup title defence in 2027?
Please select an option Oops! Something went wrong, please try again later.
Results
Yes! Siya will only be 36 at the next World Cup. He can make it!
25% - 1273 votes
No! I think the smart thing to do is start again with a younger skipper ...
29% - 1471 votes
I'd keep Siya captain for now, but look to have someone else for 2027.
45% - 2249 votes
Vote
Editorial feedback and complaints

Contact the public editor with feedback for our journalists, complaints, queries or suggestions about articles on News24.

LEARN MORE