Nadal’s ‘solid start’ while Kyrgios hails wildfire pledge

Rafael Nadal eased himself into the Australian Open second round to begin his bid for a record-tying 20th grand slam title.

Nadal’s victory at the US Open last summer brought him to within one of Roger Federer’s mark.

Melbourne has been home to Nadal’s least successful slam, with his only title here coming 11 years ago, although he has reached four finals since, including last year’s defeat by Novak Djokovic.

Nadal made a convincing start with a 6-2 6-3 6-0 victory over Hugo Dellien of Bolivia.

Nadal was kept out on court for more than two hours, though, and he admitted he played it safe in the first two sets.

“It has been a solid start,” said the world number one, who next faces Federico Delbonis of Argentina.

“I think the third set was a great set. I think I played a very good level of tennis. The first two I played with a little bit more caution.”

Nick Kyrgios is carrying home pressure as the leading Australian man following the withdrawal of Alex De Minaur through injury.

Kyrgios’ stock is high at the moment thanks to his efforts in leading tennis’ response to the wildfire crisis and he kept his focus on court in a 6-2 7-6 (3) 7-6 (1) victory over Italy’s Lorenzo Sonego.

The 24-year-old was left speechless when John McEnroe used the on-court interview to pledge to donate 1,000 Australian dollars (approximately £525) to the relief effort for every set Kyrgios wins this fortnight.

“It was awesome,” said the 23rd seed. “Obviously I felt like he wanted to help. I’m sure a lot of people appreciate that.”

Fourth seed Daniil Medvedev was given a tough workout by last year’s quarter-finalist Frances Tiafoe before coming through 6-3 4-6 6-4 6-2, and seventh seed Alexander Zverev won his first match of the year, beating Marco Cecchinato 6-4 7-6 (4) 6-3.

The German followed McEnroe in promising money for wildfire relief, in his case 10,000 dollars per match won and, if he claims the title, the entire 4.12 million dollars in prize money (approximately £2.17m).

Fifth seed Dominic Thiem was a straight-sets winner, beating Adrian Mannarino 6-3 7-5 6-2, while ninth seed Roberto Bautista Agut and former champion Stan Wawrinka successfully reached round two.

There were two comebacks from two sets to love down, 12th seed Fabio Fognini exuberantly beating giant American Reilly Opelka and 31st seed Hubert Hurkacz defeating Dennis Novak.

Twentieth seed Felix Auger-Aliassime lost in four sets to Ernests Gulbis.

There was a notable first grand slam victory for 18-year-old Italian Jannik Sinner, who won the Next Gen ATP Finals in November and is the hottest teenage talent in the men’s game.