Solid Nadal happy with his game

RAFAEL NADAL was a happy man after overcoming Lukas Lacko in straight sets at the Australian Open on Friday.

The world No. 2 was pushed hard early on by the Slovakian qualifier, but once he upped his level Lacko was powerless to stave off a 6-2 6-4 6-2 defeat.

Ten-time Grand Slam champion Nadal, an 8-1 chance with Hills before the Melbourne tournament started but 6-1 on Friday, said: "It was acomplete match, a solid one. I'm very happy about my game. Being in the fourth round without losing a set is fantastic."

"I'm playing well and if you're doing that, things can be a little bit less difficult."

"I've played all three matches at a very good level. Today was one of the best – solid, without mistakes, comfortable with the serve and having good returns."

Feliciano Lopez outplayed towering John Isner 6-3 6-7 6-4 6-7 6-1 to leave the USA without a representative in the last 16 of the Australian Open men's singles for the first time since 1973.

Day five was one for the favourites in the women's singles as all
eight market leaders progressed to the round of 16. Jelena Jankovic was particularly impressive in seeing off Christina McHale 6-2 6-0.

Australian Open best outright prices on Friday afternoon – men: 6-5 Djokovic, 4 Federer, 11-2 Murray, 6 Nadal, 18 Tsonga, 20 del Potro, 30 Berdych, 40 Tomic, 66 Ferrer, Raonic, 80 Monfils, 125 Tipsarevic, 150 Gasquet, 300 Almagro, 300 Lopez, 500 Hewitt, Kohlschreiber, Llodra, Nishikori, 1000 Benneteau, 2000 Kukushkin, Mahut, 2500 Chela; women: 7-2 Azarenka, S Williams, 4 Kvitova, 15-2 Clijsters, 12 Na Li, 14 Sharapova, 20 Wozniacki, 33 Bartoli, 50 Zvonareva, 66 Ivanovic, Jankovic Kuznetsova, Lisicki, 175 Kerber, 200 Goerges, Jie Zheng, Kirilenko, 250 Benesova, 300 Cirstea, Makarova, 500 Errani, 1000 King.