He may have won his only Australian Open title way back in 2009 but Rafael Nadal surely looks in command at the first Grand Slam of the year after he brushed past USA's Marcos Giron and won the opening round match in straight sets 6-1, 6-4, 6-2.
Also read: Novak Djokovic's childhood coach: 'They are trying to destroy him, but they cannot'
35-year-old Nadal playing in the first round of the Australian Open won the opening set with ease 6-1 but Giron put up some fight in the 2nd set. Nadal eventually saved the set and won 6-4 followed by 6-2 in the third and final set to seal the game.
With no Novak Djokovic in the main draw after he was deported and no Roger Federer, this looks like the best chance for the Spanish super star to go on and seal his 21st Grand Slam title which will take him above his two nearest rivals.