MELBOURNE, Australia(AP) Top-ranked Rafael Nadal has advanced to the third round at the Australian Open, beating Roko Karanusic of Croatia in straight sets.
Nadal, who overtook Roger Federer for the No. 1 ranking last August, beat Karanusic 6-2, 6-3, 6-2 in the center-court match Thursday at Rod Laver Arena.
The 22-year-old Spaniard beat Federer in the French Open and Wimbledon finals last year and is the Swiss star's biggest threat to winning a record-equaling 14th Grand Slam singles title.
Nadal has a 3-0 record against Tommy Haas, his third-round opponent.