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Australian Open 2020 news - Rafael Nadal dispatches Pablo Carreno Busta in straight sets
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Published 25/01/2020 at 05:47 GMT
Rafael Nadal is into the second week of the Australian Open after an emphatic 6-1, 6-2, 6-4 victory over Pablo Carreno Busta in an all-Spanish clash.
Rafael Nadal
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It took Nadal just 56 minutes to win the first two sets as he overpowered his compatriot with fierce winners.
Top seed Nadal has not been beaten by a fellow countryman since losing to Fernando Verdasco at Melbourne Park in 2016, and extended his winning streak against Spanish players to 18 matches with his win over Carreno Busta.
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Dominant Nadal eases past Carreno Busta
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Nadal, bidding for a record-equalling 20th Grand Slam title, set the tone early by breaking in the second game which the No. 27 seed had no answer for.
And it was a similar story in the following two sets as Carreno Busta failed to register a single break point as Nadal struck 42 winners to just seven unforced errors in the match.
Nadal sealed the victory after Carreno Busta sent a backhand return into the net in the one hour and 38 minute contest on Rod Laver Arena.
Nadal, who is yet to drop a set this tournament, will now face either Nick Kyrgios or Karen Khachanov in the fourth round.
Nadal: My best match
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‘It was impossible to sleep’ – Nadal on Federer-Millman marathon
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Nadal said post-match: "It was my best match of the tournament so far without a doubt. I'm improving every day a little bit.
Nadal was asked if he watched the Roger Federer - John Millman match on Friday night which he replied: "I stayed up until 1am!
"Millman is a fighter and it seemed like he would never stop running. He's a great character on court I think."
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