World no 1 Nadal maintains record of never losing a grand slam opening round match with 6-4, 6-2, 6-2 win over USA's Michael Russel
World no 1 Nadal maintains record of never losing a grand slam opening round match with 6-4, 6-2, 6-2 win over USA's Michael Russel
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Rafael Nadal's campaign to capture a third Wimbledon title and his 11th Grand Slam crown enjoyed a comfortable start yesterday with a 6-4, 6-2, 6-2 win over American journeyman Michael Russell.
Spain's Rafael Nadal serves during yesterday's first round Wimbledon
match against USA's Michael Russell in London. Nadal won 6-4, 6-2, 6-2.
PIC/Getty Images
Nadal, fresh from a record-equalling sixth French Open, was only troubled briefly by his 33-year-old opponent who broke the World No 1 to lead 4-2 in the first set.
But Russell, who has never got beyond the second round, was made to pay for his brief rebellion against the established order as Nadal then reeled off six games in succession to take the opener and lead 2-0 in the second set.
Nadal was quickly 4-1 ahead in the third set and there was no way back for the World No 91 as the top seed, who unleashed 35 winners, set up a second round meeting with Ryan Sweeting of the United States.
Sweeting came from two sets down to beat Spain's Pablo Andjuar in five.
Nadal's win also extended his perfect record of having never lost a first round match at a Grand Slam event with the 25-year-old now standing at 29-0 in his career.
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