Australian Open: Rafael Nadal advances to second round after Bernard Tomic retires

World No. 1 Rafael Nadal advanced to the second round of the Australian Open after his opponent in first round Bernard Tomic retired due to injury.

Zee Media Bureau/Suyash Srivastava

Melbourne: World No. 1 Rafael Nadal advanced to the second round of the Australian Open after Bernard Tomic- his opponent in first round retired due to injury. The Spaniard had won the first set 6-4 in 39 minutes before Tomic decided to leave the match. Nadal was wary of the conditions out there and he had words of sympathy for Tomic. "I want to say I am v.sorry for Bernard I hope he gets better. I know how tough this situation is. I had it few years ago," the Spaniard said. Tomic was seen struggling in the first set and he spoke to his physio after the first set and decided to leave the match. Notably, Tomic is the youngest owner of the Australian junior title in the Open era, and the youngest winner of a senior match in the tournament's main draw. He reached a Wimbledon quarter-final at 18, and also won his first career ATP title last January. Nadal will now play Thanasi Kokkinakis in the next round.