MELBOURNE, Australia (AP) — Rafael Nadal extended his Grand Slam winning streak to 23 matches, beating American qualifier Ryan Sweeting 6-2, 6-1, 6-1 to reach the third round of the Australian Open.
The top-ranked Nadal is aiming to be the first man since Rod Laver in 1969 to hold all four Grand Slam titles at the same time.
He’s conceded only four games en route to the third round, sealing his win over Sweeting on Thursday with another of his rifling forehands.
After retiring with an injury in the quarterfinals at the last Australian Open, Nadal rebounded to win the French Open, Wimbledon and U.S. Open.
