Rafael Nadal dispatched Marcos Baghdatis in straight sets on Thursday night to set up a tantalising third-round clash against German teen sensation Alexander Zverev.
The 14-time grand slam champion muscled his way past Baghdatis, a beaten finalist at Melbourne Park in 2006, in an impressive 6-3-6-1 6-3 win on Rod Laver Arena.
"I won in straight sets against a difficult opponent, so very happy for the victory," Nadal said.
"I think I can do things better, is true. I need to have some less mistakes. But in general, I have been playing well. I played solid with my serve.
"Then I created lot of chances on the return against a player that serves, well, no? So that's good news."
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A jubilant Nadal punched the air in delight after he closed out the match.
After missing a large chunk of last season, including Wimbledon, to a wrist injury the 30-year-old admitted he is enjoying being back on the tour and playing injury-free.
No.24 seed Zverev secured his place in the third round when he defeated American qualifier Frances Tiafoe in straight sets.
The Spaniard prevailed in three sets in their only meeting - at Indian Wells last year - and Nadal is expecting to have his hands full with the sublimely talented 19-year-old.
"He is one of the best players of the world, without a doubt, today," Nadal said.
"And he's a player that is for sure one of the next grand slam winners. He has a big chance to become the future world No. 1, no?
"If he's able to keep improving the way that he's doing, I don't have doubt that his potential is so, so high.
"He has all the shots - great serve, great forehand, great backhand ... everything. He's a complete player.
"I need to put a rhythm very, very high to try to don't let him play in comfortable positions. That's what I'm going to try."
