Former world number 1 Rafael Nadal expects second Australian Open title
Updated 20:24, 11-Jan-2019
Sports Scene
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02:07
Injury-plagued world number two Rafael Nadal insists he is healthy and in no pain after coming through an exhibition game in Sydney, just days after pulling out of the Brisbane International. The 17-time Grand Slam champion teamed up with Canadian Milos Raonic to defeat Australians Nick Kyrgios and John Millman in the FAST4 Showdown on Monday evening.
Nick Kyrgios defeated Rafael Nadal at the fast four exhibition in the opening contest between team Australia and Team world, less than a week before the Australian Open begins, while the former world number one is hoping to use the tournament to warm up for the upcoming Australian Open. 
Leading 3-nil in the opening set, the local Kyrgios kept his dominance en route to taking it 4-nil after this forehand winner. But the 17-time Grand Slam champion was able to fight his way back into the match, winning the second frame after a tie-break 4-3.
Milos Raonic of Canada and Rafael Nadal of Spain in action during Fast4Showdown at Qudos Bank Arena in Sydney, Australia, January 7, 2019. /VCG Photo 

Milos Raonic of Canada and Rafael Nadal of Spain in action during Fast4Showdown at Qudos Bank Arena in Sydney, Australia, January 7, 2019. /VCG Photo 

The world number two produced an ace to keep the game alive at 4-2 down, but his smash into the net on the next point helped Kyrgios put Team Australia one up in the first contest. 
In other actions, Milos Raonic was facing against another local John Millman in the second singles. The Canadian won the first set 4-1, and trailed 2-1 in the second as he got on his way to closing things up after a forehand winner down the line. 
Raonic then wasted no time in tieing the score 3-3 with an ace. Once again, the world number 17 quickly served his way to the victory 4-1, 4-3 and put Team World level at 1-1 after the second match.  In the doubles, Nadal and Raonic won three games in a row to give Team World the first set 4-1.
The local team battled back, as Millman's smash sent the match into a decider. The tie-breaker was tight but Team World took three points in a row and are able to hold, as Raonic's cross winner helped seal the final victory 4-1, 1-4, 5-4.