Second-ranked Rafael Nadal survived a two and an half hours marathon by beating Serbian Viktor Troicki 7-6 (3), 7-5, 6-1 Melbourne on Monday at the Australian Open men's single event.
Little-known Troicki caused much trouble to Nadal by his powerful serves as he had 14 aces during the match while Nadal hadonly 4, but he also made 41 unforced errors during the match.
Troicki had a set point in the first set and led 4-2 in the second, but Nadal finally fought back.
"Today is not my best performance, but as you know, this is a typical first round, a typical beginning. I am pleased I win the match," said Nadal after the match.
From the third set, the world No. 2 controlled the match as he grabbed an early service break in the third on his way to finish the match.
"I think I was not bad in the moment of pressure and I changed during the match. I am sure that as the tournament going on, I will play better."
Nadal will face Frenchman Florent Serra, a 6-3, 7-6 (7-2), 7-6 (7-5) winner against German Florian Mayer, in the second round.
Source: Xinhua
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