Aus Open PHOTOS: Nadal answers doubts; Halep, Dimitrov advance

It was very emotional to be back on court: Nadal

I feel like an adopted Australian sometimes. It's great (the crowd), it really boosts your confidence: Dimitrov

Rafael Nadal of Spain celebrates winning his first round match against Mikhail Youzhny of Russia. Photograph: Ryan Pierse/Getty Images

A relieved Rafael Nadal felt the confidence come flooding back in a first-round romp at the Australian Open on Monday after former World No 1 Ana Ivanovic crashed out on the opening day at Melbourne Park.

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The upsets came earlier than expected and the intrigue was meant to occur on Rod Laver Arena, where third seed Nadal's comeback from illness and injury was expected to be given a thorough examination by Russian veteran Mikhail Youzhny.

Within a handful of games, however, it was Youzhy plagued with doubts as his pink-clad Spanish opponent wasted little time easing into his grand slam groove before roaring to a 6-3, 6-2, 6-2 win in less than two hours.

"The second half of last year was tough mentally and physically," Nadal said. "So it was very emotional to be back on court.

"This first match here was tough mentally for me. I hope this match will give me confidence as I play the next round."

Halep had few worries

Simona Halep of Romania plays a backhand in her first round match against Karin Knapp of Italy. Photograph: Ryan Pierse/Getty Images

Romania's Simona Halep, seeded third and fancied to break through for a maiden Grand Slam title this year, had few worries in a 6-3, 6-2 rout of Italian Karin Knapp before a number of her seeded rivals were swept away in the afternoon sun.

Teenage sensation Belinda Bencic was the first to fall, the 32nd-ranked Swiss losing to German world number 73 Julia Goerges 6-2, 6-1.

‘I feel like an adopted Australian sometimes’

Grigor Dimitrov of Bulgaria serves in his first round match against Dustin Brown of Germany. Photograph: Patrick Scala/Getty Image

With the men's tournament regarded one of the most open in years, Grigor Dimitrov issued an ominous warning to the tennis establishment with a 6-2, 6-3, 6-2 rout of dread-locked Jamaican-born German Dustin Brown.

In terms of length, Brown's hair was arguably superior to the 69-minute contest, which was over when his 10th seeded opponent bashed down his 11th ace.

Coached by Australian Roger Rasheed, Dimitrov began his breakout year in 2014 with a quarter-final appearance at Melbourne Park and was keen to garner more crowd support.

"I feel like an adopted Australian sometimes... It's great (the crowd), it really boosts your confidence," the Bulgarian said.

"It's really good to be out here. I like the vibe."

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