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.
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“I was talking to my coach and I told him I actually did feel like I won the Australian Open,” Gajdosova said.
“It was just the first round but it’s been such a long time coming. Not to be able to do it in your home Grand Slam was very devastating for me.”
Read: Seven things to watch in Melbourne
