World number two Rafael Nadal is content that his knee injury problems are behind him as he bids to win the Australian Open title for a second time.
The Spaniard, 6/1 with bookmaker to be crowned champion in Melbourne, described himself as being in ‘unbelievable pain’ before his first round win over Alex Kuznetsov.
However, the 2009 Australian Open champion was moving much better as he saw off Tommy Haas 6-4 6-3 6-4 to reach round three.
“It is much better and I am so happy the knee is improving and I am able to play without pain,” Nadal said after defeating Haas.
Nadal’s potential semi-final opponent, Roger Federer, enjoyed a stress-free day as he reached round three without hitting a ball after Germany’s Andreas Beck scratched due to a back injury.