Rafael Nadal advanced to the third round of the Australian Open after a 6-3, 6-1, 6-3 win against Marcos Baghdatis on Thursday.

The 14-time major champion played with a purpose as he dismantled the likable Cypriot. Much to the delight of his fans, the Spaniard controlled the match with his signature forehand which created major damage to Baghdatis.

“I won in straight sets against a difficult opponent, so very happy for the victory,” Nadal said.

The veteran served effectively placing 80 percent of his first serves into play and he won 72 percent of those points. His aggressive style of play kept Baghdatis off balance and forced him into 42 unforced errors. Meanwhile, Nadal capitalized on 6 service breaks.

“I think I can do things better, is true. I need to have some less mistakes. But in general, I have been playing well. I played solid with my serve,” said Nadal. “Then I created lot of chances on the return against a player that serves, well, no? So, that's good news.”

Nadal needed just 2 hours and 13 minutes to defeat the 2006 Australian Open finalist.

The win sets up a highly-anticipated match between one of the all-time greats in Nadal, against a player many projects will eventually rack up grand slam hardware of his own in Alexander Zverev.

“He is one of the best players of the world, without a doubt, today,” Nadal said of Zverev. “And he's a player that is for sure one of the next grand slam winners. He has a big chance to become the future world No. 1, no?”

The meeting will be a rematch of a competitive three-set battle at Indian Wells last year, where the veteran prevailed despite chances by the teenager.

“I need to put a rhythm very, very high to try to don't let him play in comfortable positions. That's what I'm going to try,” said Nadal.