If 2015 was bad for Rafael Nadal, then 2016 isn't looking much better.
Nadal exited the Australian Open at the first round stage for the first time in his career after losing to fellow Spaniard Fernando Verdasco 7‑6 (8‑6) 4‑6 3‑6 7‑6 (4‑7) 6‑2 in a thrilling match between the two left‑handers that lasted four hours and 40 minutes.
Meanwhile, Serena Williams made light work of unseeded Taiwanese Hsieh Su‑wei to charge into the Australian Open third round with a 6‑1 6‑2 victory.
The world number one, bidding for a 22nd grand slam title, cruised through the one‑hour romp in glorious sunshine at Rod Laver Arena without dropping serve.
