DUDE NO DUD IN NEW DUDES

There is a new look to Rafael Nadal this year. A worrying look. Well, worrying if you happen to be in his section of the draw. Not only is the best player on the planet sporting a new sartorial style, but he is looking like a man on a mission, and whistled past Roko Karanusic 6-2 6-3 6-2 on Thursday to reach the third round.

The world has become accustomed to seeing Nadal mopping up clay court titles and making the French Open his very own, but of late the Spaniard has been branching out. Not only did he break Roger Federer's heart by beating the Swiss in the Wimbledon final, but he also ended 2008 as the best hard court player in the world. Of his 82 wins for the season, 46 of them came on the cement surface. This was indeed a break from the norm.

Coming to Australia, Nadal is looking good. Usually he takes his time to warm up as the new season begins and so far, he has never made it beyond the semifinals in Melbourne – and he has only got that far once in four attempts. This year, though, he has dropped a meagre 11 games in his first two matches and has barely had to get out of third gear to get this far.