Australian Open 2020 news - Rafael Nadal dispatches Pablo Carreno Busta in straight sets

ByEurosport

Updated 25/01/2020 at 07:57 GMT

Rafael Nadal is into the second week of the Australian Open after an emphatic 6-1, 6-2, 6-4 victory over Pablo Carreno Busta in an all-Spanish clash.

It took Nadal just 56 minutes to win the first two sets as he overpowered his compatriot with fierce winners.

Top seed Nadal has not been beaten by a fellow countryman since losing to Fernando Verdasco at Melbourne Park in 2016, and extended his winning streak against Spanish players to 18 matches with his win over Carreno Busta.

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Nadal, bidding for a record-equalling 20th Grand Slam title, set the tone early by breaking in the second game which the No. 27 seed had no answer for.

And it was a similar story in the following two sets as Carreno Busta failed to register a single break point as Nadal struck 42 winners to just seven unforced errors in the match.

Nadal sealed the victory after Carreno Busta sent a backhand return into the net in the one hour and 38 minute contest on Rod Laver Arena.

Nadal, who is yet to drop a set this tournament, will now face either Nick Kyrgios or Karen Khachanov in the fourth round.

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Nadal said post-match: "It was my best match of the tournament so far without a doubt. I'm improving every day a little bit.

Sorry for Pablo, he's a good friend and wish him all the best for the rest of the season and for me it's great news that I'm in the fourth round.

Nadal was asked if he watched the Roger Federer - John Millman match on Friday night which he replied: "I stayed up until 1am!

"Millman is a fighter and it seemed like he would never stop running. He's a great character on court I think."

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