Rafael Nadal qualified for the round of 16 at the Australian Open by sweeping Bosnian Damir Dzumhur in three sets, 6-1, 6-3, 6-1, this Friday in Melbourne.
The Spanish, world number one, who only gave up five games, will face Argentine Diego Schwartzman, the 24th seed, in the next round.
It took Nadal just 1 hour and 50 minutes to reach the fourth round, against the 28th seed of the tournament, at Margaret Court Arena.
The Spaniard, who lost the final last year to Roger Federer, has lost just 21 games in his three wins in Australia to reach the round of 16.
“I was very focused and I am very happy to have a new game on Sunday,” Nadal said.
The 16 Grand Slam winner conceded just 18 unforced errors and only gave up his serve once.
This victory put the 31-year-old 54-11 at the Australian Open, seeking his second Melbourne title after defeating Federer in the 2009 final.
Nadal broke his rival’s serve seven times during the match.
The Spaniard, who is seeking his 17th title, faced a knee injury at the end of last season.
This forced the Spanish player to miss the Brisbane Tournament this month, and he only played one exhibition match at the Melbourne Kooyong Classic before the Australian Open.
Nadal needs to reach the quarter-finals to secure his number one spot in the world rankings after the Australian Open, with Federer looming.
Nadal goes to round of 16 in Australia
