Federer and Nadal in first round wins

16/01/2012

Roger Federer and Rafel Nadal both eased through their first round matches at the Australian Open tennis tournament.

Federer, who last won the tournament two years ago, beat Aleaxander Kudryavtsev 7-5, 6-2, 6-2, while Nadal also enjoyed a straight sets win, thrashing Alex Kuznetsov 6-4, 6-1, 6-1.

Nadal won despite wearing a strapping on his knee that may cause significant injury concerns, particularly in more gruelling matches, such as the one he might face against German Tommy Haas in round two.

Fans enjoying Wimbledon hospitality packages this summer will be hoping Nadal and all the other top players are fit and at their best for the tournament in SW19.

Off the court, the Spaniard waded into controversy in a news conference earlier this week when he suggested Federer should join him and Andy Murray in speaking out more against the heavy schedule the top players face.

Burn-out will not be a concern for the British players at the Australian Open, as Andy Murray - who is yet to play his first match - is the only contender from the UK left just one day into the tournament, as the other five all lost their opening round games.

By Sam Smith