Rafael Nadal breezes through in Melbourne

World number nine Rafael Nadal is into the second round of the Australian Open following a comfortable 6-3 6-4 6-4 victory over Florian Mayer in Melbourne.

The Spaniard suffered a shock defeat to countryman Fernando Verdasco in the first round last year but was through in just over two hours at the Rod Laver Arena this morning with a commanding performance against the German, who was making his first appearance at the tournament in three years.

Nadal broke in each of the three sets and hit 70% of his first serves, and made no mistake at his first match-point opportunity with a strong forehand.

The 30-year-old - back in action after an injury-plagued year with new coach Carlos Moya - will now face Marcos Baghdatis of Cyprus in the next round.

Nadal is chasing his 15th Grand Slam title and his first since 2014.