Rafael Nadal enjoyed a fine start to Wimbledon, with a straight sets win on his first trip to the All England Club since 2015.
Nadal cruised to a 6-1 6-3 6-2 success over Australia’s John Millman and adapted to life on grass perfectly after his 10th French Open crown just weeks ago.
But while the world No. 2 was delighted with his performance, he refused to get carried away and suggested that he’s taking it step-by-step both physically and mentally.
‘I always expect to go on court and compete well, try my best,’ he said. ‘Things sometimes goes better, and things sometimes goes worst.
‘But, no, I don’t know, was a very positive match for me, a good start. That’s doesn’t mean a lot. The only thing that means was today was a very positive start. I am through to the second round. That’s a very important thing for me.
‘And I’m happy because I didn’t win a lot of matches last couple of years here in Wimbledon. Today I win one, and I am looking forward to play the second one.
‘My knees are ready for the second round probably, that’s all. And I am happy that I am here playing again in Wimbledon and with positive feelings in terms of health. That’s the most important thing.’
Up next for the fourth seed is America’s Donald Young, an opponent he’s beaten twice in the past.
By George Bellshaw for Metro