• Australian Open, Day Five

Nadal brushes past Lacko into round four

Rafael Nadal remained in complete control © Getty Images

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Rafael Nadal shrugged off concerns over his fitness to power into the fourth round of the Australian Open with a 6-2 6-4 6-2 win over Lukas Lacko.

The world No. 2 has been hampered by shoulder and knee complaints in recent times, but despite playing heavily taped, Nadal never appeared restricted in his movement. Indeed, Nadal's speed around the court as Lacko looked to create various angles stood out as a highlight of the 2009 champion's game.

The match started in uncertain fashion for both players, with consecutive breaks opening proceedings in the first two games. Nadal steadied thereafter, though, as he turned defence into attack on numerous occasions to frustrate shot-maker Lacko.

After levelling at 2-2, Nadal then stepped up a gear to rattle off four straight games and steal away the first set. From there the Spaniard never looked back as he dominated from the back of the court and began to approach the net to great effect.

The momentum was all Nadal's early in the second set courtesy of another break of the Lacko serve. However, the Slovakian held on gallantly for the remainder of the set, clubbing winnners from his favoured forehand side, but Nadal held serve comfortably in the 10th game to place one foot in the fourth round.

Lacko, the final qualifier remaining in the men's draw, again refused to be intimidated by his second-seeded opponent in the third set, with games going with serve early on. However, the Nadal juggernaut again picked up speed as he casually claimed four straight games to ease to victory.

He will now take on compatriot Feliciano Lopez for a spot in the quarter-finals, after Lopez came through a five-setter against John Isner.

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