(CNN)Even though Rafael Nadal had beaten his first-round opponent at the Australian Open, Mikhail Youzhny, five straight times, the Spaniard wasn't sure what to expect when they played Monday. After all Nadal last competed at a major at Wimbledon and had lost both singles matches that he contested this year as he returned from appendix surgery. Nadal -- who also suffered from back and wrist injuries in 2014 -- cast doubt on his Australian Open participation just last week. Youzhny, too, owned four victories over the 14-time grand slam champion. But in a score that is sure to have his rivals taking note, the Spaniard crushed the former top-10 regular 6-3 6-2 6-2.Rafael Nadal crushes Mikhail Youzhny at the Australian OpenIt was Nadal's first grand slam match since last year at WimbledonBut women's contender Ana Ivanovic loses her opener in MelbourneRoger Federer, Simona Halep, Andy Murray progress to the second round
Nadal and Federer were joined in the second round by two-time grand slam winner Murray, although an outside contender for the women's draw, _, fell.