Rafael Nadal vs Lukas Lacko Australian Open 2010 Betting Odds: Defending Australian Open Champion Rafael Nadal survived an early scare, as he got off his title-defense off to a shaky start in his opening match. The second-seeded Spaniard struggled in the first set against Australian Peter Luczak, before putting it away by a final tally of: 7-6(7-0), 6-1, 6-4. “Winning in three sets is good news,” Rafa admitted. “I am happy to be in the second round.”
Next up, Rafael Nadal [-8000 ML] will be taking on huge sports betting odds underdog Lukas Lacko [+2000 ML] of Slovakia tonight. This Men’s Singles, second round match has a scheduled 10 PM ET start, live from Rod Laver Arena and it’ll be broadcasted on ESPN-2.
Nadal fell behind early, as the hometown favorite jumped out to a quick 5-3 lead in the opening set with a timely break. With the way the Spaniard’s season ended, many were expecting the unexpected early on. However, the reigning Australian champ fought back, and stayed alive, as he looks for his first tournament win since April.
With a chance to serve for the first set, a nervous 30-year-old Luczak double-faulted twice and Nadal capitalized. Nadal came roaring back after the world No.78 left the door open, flying through the tiebreak without dropping a point.
“I was probably playing a little short of my best and he was playing well,” Nadal said. “You know always that you will be more nervous in the first round. First rounds are always difficult to play very well… so I thought it was going to be a tough match. The first set was tough. Later it was easier.”
