Nadal crashes through Kokkinakis to reach third round

MELBOURNE (Reuters) - Rafa Nadal gave the next generation a lesson in grand slam tennis by dismantling teenage talent Thanasi Kokkinakis 6-2 6-4 6-2 to cruise into the third round of the Australian Open on Thursday.

(Reuters)

A junior finalist at Melbourne Park and the U.S. Open last year, 17-year-old Kokkinakis underlined his potential by blazing 21 winners against the world number one to the delight of rowdy home fans at Rod Laver Arena.

But the rangy Australian was unable to match the firepower of the super-fit Spaniard, who wrapped up the match with a booming serve in under two hours.

Nadal will next play either 25th seed Gael Monfils or American Jack Sock.

(Reporting by Ian Ransom; Editing by Greg Stutchbury)