Nadal shrugs off ‘slow start’ to accelerate past Ebden

Melbourne, AFP: Rafael Nadal admitted he got off to a “slow start” but he still finished off Matthew Ebden in rapid fashion to reach the third round of the Australian Open on Wednesday. 

The 32-year-old’s newly remodelled serve briefly came under pressure from Ebden, 31, who enjoyed vociferous home support on Rod Laver Arena before losing 6-3, 6-2, 6-2. 

The Australian forced three break points at 3-3 in the first set, but could convert none as Nadal continued his bid for an 18th Grand Slam championship. 

Nadal faces teenager Alex de Minaur, seeded 27, next after racing through in just 116 minutes.

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