Nadal through, Ana Ivanovic out at Australian Open
Dolphins sign Akakem from Libyan club
Third seed Rafael Nadal returned to Grand Slam action with a comprehensive win over Russia’s Mikhail Youzhny.
The Spaniard, 28, won 6-3, 6-2, 6-2 in his first match at a Grand Slam since Wimbledon following injury and illness.
Second seed Roger One of Nigeria’s representatives in CAF Confederation Cup Dolphins in their quest to make an appreciable impact in the competition have signed Khaleej Sirte SC of Libya Federer outclassed YenHsun Lu 6-4, 6-2, 7-5 while sixth seed Andy Murray beat India’s Yuki Bhambri 6-3, 6-4, 7-6 (7-3).
Women’s fifth seed Ana Ivanovic suffered a shock 1-6, 6-3, 6-2 defeat by Czech qualifier Lucie Hradecka.
The Serb was one defender Onyekachi Bartholomew Akakem.
The player, who could play as a central defender or a defensive midfield, has been registered to play for the team in the CAF of eight seeds to lose but second seed Maria Sharapova, third seed Simona Halep and sixth seed Eugenie Bouchard all advanced in straight sets.
Nadal, who is a 14-time Grand Slam winner, had only played eight matches since a shock defeat by Australian teenager Nick Kyrgios at Wimbledon last year.
Before the tournament, he played down his chances of winning a second Australian Open title but showed glimpses of his best against world number 49 Youzhny.
“I was a little bit under doubt before, but I think I played without making too many mistakes and the only way to get better is to win more matches so it will probably help me,” Confederation Cup that starts next month.
He was invited into the Super Eagles squad that went to the USA in 2010 under Coach Samson Siasia to play the botched Obama’s said Nadal.
“In general I was working well, returning well and I just need to build a little bit, such as being more dynamic with the movements sometimes. But for the rest I am more or less happy.”
Serbia’s Ivanovic appeared close to tears as she dissected her shock first-round exit against Hradecka in front of the post-match media.
“I think the whole match I didn’t really feel like myself out there. I had some issues. You know, it’s probably the worst thing that could happen,” she said.
But the 2008 runner-up was not the only seeded female to suffer an opening-day exit, with a quarter of the seeds falling. invitational tourney.
He has since joined the team in training camp.
He had previously played for Ajiya Babes, Ocean Boys, Heartland and Rangers.