Rafa Nadal wins in Argentina on return after Australian Open

Rafa Nadal returned to winning ways with a second round victory over Juan Monaco at the Argentina Open.

Nadal, back on his much-loved clay courts, was playing for the first time since his Australian Open first round defeat to Fernando Verdasco and there were a few cobwebs to be blown away.

Good friend Monaco - playing in his first tournament since wrist surgery in August - provided the opposition and in a repeat of last year's final in Buenos Aires, Nadal was able to come through in straight sets, winning 6-4 6-4 much to his delight.

The Spaniard is seeded first in Argentina having been given a wild card for the event and will next face Italy's Paolo Lorenzi in the quarter-finals as he bids to retain the title he won last year, but he is happy taking things one game at a time.

"The start was tough, as Juan is a good player and the big humidity here in Argentina made it difficult," said Nadal.

"I am happy to be through and hope to be ready for tomorrow [Friday]. Paolo is a strong player and he had a great victory. We will have an early afternoon start so it'll be very warm. It'll be a tough one."

There were also victories for Jo-Wilfried Tsonga and David Ferrer in Argentina in the opposite half of the draw to Nadal, while the biggest name to exit was fourth seed John Isner, beaten in three sets by Dusan Lajovic.