Nadal cruises through opening match at Australian Open

MELBOURNE – Rafael Nadal wiped away any doubt of his current form Monday at the Australian Open, breezing through his opening match in less than two hours. Here's how it went down:

Scoreline: [3] Rafael Nadal (ESP) def. Mikhail Youzhny (RUS) 6-3, 6-2, 6-2

Nadal's form was being questioned – including by the Spaniard himself – in the lead-up to the year's first major after he had a choppy, injury-filled finish to the 2014 season. But the 2009 Australian Open winner simply sizzled on a rather cool day in Melbourne, swatting aside any challenge that Youzhny offered. The former world No. 8 Youzhny had a 4-11 record against Nadal entering the match, but hadn't won one of their battles since 2008.

What it means: Nadal is back – and perhaps now a threat for the Australian Open title. While that might be a pre-mature assertion, the 14-time major champion was entering this fortnight without a match win this year, the first time that had happened to him in a decade. He gets American qualifier Tim Smyczek next.

How it happened: Nadal came on court aware of Ana Ivanovic's shocking loss on Rod Laver Arena earlier, but wasted no time in taking the first set 6-3 in 37 minutes. He jumped out to early leads in all three sets and never looked out of sorts in a bright pink shirt and a backwards cap.

Significance? Don't look now, but Nadal is drawn to meet Roger Federer in the semifinals – should their seeds hold. Nadal said before the tournament that he was confident in "nothing" in his game, but a favorable draw could help brew up the perfect Rafa-storm for week two of this event.

Key stat of the match: Nadal won 89 percent of points on first serves delivered and was never broken in the three-set affair, facing one break point throughout. His serve – and how well it's clicking – could be an important key should he want to make a run in Melbourne.

What he said: "I think very good start, very important, no?" Nadal told reporters after his win. "Always before the first match you have the doubts, especially in this situation I'm arriving here. Never easy, but it was an important match for me. Was a comfortable victory that give me some confidence."