Australian Open: Nadal back in form as he cruises past Laslo Djere

Rafael Nadal was not quite at his all-action, fist-pumping best but appeared unimpeded by his back problems as he posted an encouraging win

Rafael Nadal (in orange) shakes hands at the net with Laslo Djere following their Men's Singles first round match during day two of the 2021 Australian Open.

Rafael Nadal defied his gloomy injury prognosis to crush Laslo Djere 6-3 6-4 6-1 and reach the second round of the Australian Open on Tuesday.

The Spanish great was not quite at his all-action, fist-pumping best but appeared unimpeded by his back problems as he posted an encouraging win over the 56th ranked Serb in the afternoon sunshine at Rod Laver Arena.

After closing out a tight second set, the second seed played like a man unburdened, racing to the finish line in a hail of winners before Djere conceded the match meekly with a double fault.

Nadal will meet the winner of two qualifiers -- American Michael Mmoh or Viktor Troicki -- for a place in the third round.