Knee concerns ease for Nadal
January 18, 2012 08:49:20 UK
Second seed Rafael Nadal was upbeat about his knee problems after seeing off Tommy Haas in straight sets to reach the third round of the Australian Open.
Nadal had suffered a major injury scare ahead of his first round match, but looked to be in much better shape as he swept Haas aside 6-4 6-3 6-4.
Afterwards the Spaniard, who is 2.37 to win the title in Melbourne, told reporters: "It is much better and I am so happy the knee is improving and I am able to play without pain."
It is much better and I am so happy the knee is improving and I am able to play without pain.
Rafael Nadal
Nadal had damaged his right knee ahead of his first round win over Alex Kuznetsov, admitting after seeing off the American that he had been in 'unbelievable pain'.
Meanwhile, Roger Federer progressed to round three without hitting a ball, with Germany's Andreas Beck pulling out of their match due to a back problem.
Federer, who is 1001.00 to win a fifth title in Melbourne, said after being handed a walkover: "I didn't know anything about it. I would have loved to have played."
Federer and Nadal are in the same half of the draw and are likely to meet in the semi-finals, with Andy Murray and world number one Novak Djokovic in the other side of the draw.
Djokovic is 2.10 to retain his Australian Open title, while Murray is 6.00 to finally win his first Grand Slam.
Don't forget all of the fantastic markets we have to offer, including In-Play betting, can be accessed on your mobile phone with the new and improved Mobile at bet365.
View all Tennis betting