Rafael Nadal stayed on course for a record 21st Grand Slam title at a fan-free Australian Open on Saturday as Ashleigh Barty gave locked-down Melbourne something to cheer.
Nadal, who has his own injury concerns with a stiff lower back, faced down his toughest test so far with a 7-5, 6-2, 7-5 win over British fellow leftie Cameron Norrie.
- PHOTOS: Police occupy Lekki tollgate to prevent protesters from reassembling
- #OccupyLekkiTollGate: Drama As Officials Are Forced To Push Van Conveying Arrested Protesters
“The feeling is completely different – nobody wants this,” said Nadal, referring to the 15,000 empty seats that faced him at Rod Laver Arena.
Nadal, 34, will next play colourful Italian Fabio Fognini, who dismissed Australia’s Alex De Minaur in straight sets.
