ACAPULCO (MEXICO), Feb 27: Rafael Nadal powered into the second rounds at the Mexican Open, breezing past Germany�s Mischa Zverev in straight sets to advance to a meeting with Australia�s Nick Kyrgios. World No. 2 Nadal, playing in his first event since being thrashed by Novak Djokovic in last month�s Australian Open final, was always in control during a 6-3, 6-3 victory.
The 17-time Grand Slam champion completed victory in 1hr 20min at Acapulco�s Princess Mundo Imperial venue, defeating his 76th ranked opponent with ease. The tournament top seed seized the advantage in the opening set, scoring a break to go 3-1 ahead with a delicate lob that left Zverev floundering.
With Nadal�s superior variety proving too much for Zverev, the Spaniard quickly wrapped up the opening set for a 1-0 lead.
The second set went with serve until the seventh game, when a wild forehand from Zverev sailed wide to give Nadal head following the miscue, seemingly realising there was no way back.
Nadal then held for a 5-3 lead and wrapped up victory in the ninth game, moving to match point when Zverev could only plop a return tamely into the net.
Nadal then produced a sublime backhand winner down the line to seal a deserved win.
Elsewhere on Tuesday, Zverev�s younger brother Alex had little difficulty in advancing to the second round, defeating Australia�s Alexei Popyrin 6-3, 6-3. Second seed Zverev�s service game overwhelmed Popyrin, with the German hammering down 13 aces enroute to victory.
Australia�s Kyrgios meanwhile was made to work hard for victory in his win over Italy�s Andreas Seppi, battling into the second round with a 6-3, 7-5 win.
Third seed John Isner of the United States also had a testing opening game, needing three sets to subdue France�s Adrian Mannarino 6-3, 4-6, 6-3. � AFP
