Australian Open: Rafael Nadal begins bid for 21st Grand Slam with win over Marcos Giron

Rafael Nadal won his sole Australian Open title in 2009

Rafael Nadal began his bid for a men's record 21st Grand Slam title with victory over Marcos Giron in the Australian Open first round.

The Spaniard is making his return to Grand Slam tennis after a five-month layoff with a foot injury.

"I have had very challenging months, tough moments and a lot of doubts," he said on court.

Nadal is the only member of the 'Big Three' competing in Melbourne after nine-time Melbourne champion Novak Djokovic's visa was cancelled on Sunday.

His sole Australian Open title came in 2009 but he won the Melbourne Summer Set in the build-up to the tournament.

He was rarely troubled against Giron, hitting 34 winners to help set up a second-round meeting with either home favourite Thanasi Kokkinakis or Germany's Yannick Hanfmann.

"You never know when you come back from injuries - things are difficult and you go day by day," Nadal, 35, said.

"But I'm staying positive. I won three matches and a title here last week."

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