• Australian Open

Ruthless Rafa sweeps Monfils aside

ESPN staff
January 18, 2014
Rafael Nadal saw off Gael Monfils in two hours and four minutes © Getty Images
Enlarge

ESPN CourtCast

  • Follow every shot from every match at the Australian Open with ESPN's CourtCast

Rafael Nadal was in ominous form as he cruised past Gael Monfils 6-1 6-2 6-3 to move into the fourth round of the Australian Open.

Monfils won his first game of the opening set at the fifth attempt, with Nadal racing into an early 4-0 lead. Nadal closed out the set, with Monfils suffering similar punishment in the second.

However Monfils put up more resistance in the third set, but could not stop Nadal from sweeping him aside in two hours and four minutes.

The victory sees Nadal set up a last-16 encounter with Kei Nishikori.

"He's [Monfils] a big test, a great player. I played my best match of the tournament so far, so I'm very happy for that," said Nadal.

"It was very emotional to play here having missed last year, a very special moment for me to be able to play on Rod Laver. It's a good start to the tournament for me."

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd
ESPN staff Close

ABOUT COOKIES

To help make this website better, to improve and personalize your experience and for advertising purposes, are you happy to accept cookies and other technologies.

More Info Here Cookie Choices