By Chris Oddo | Sunday, March 23, 2014

 

Rafael Nadal was in top form on Saturday in taking out former No. 1 Lleyton Hewitt, 6-1, 6-3.

Photo Source: Al Bello/Getty

It was the type of drop-dead gorgeous tennis that we're used to seeing from Rafael Nadal—swagger and sweat, and more important, efficient serving—and even though it made for a lopsided scoreline, Nadal's 6-1, 6-3 victory over former No. 1 and current member of the ATP's 600-win club Lleyton Hewitt was pretty exciting stuff for Nadal, especially on the heels of a very disappointing result at Indian Wells.

>>>The Birdman Speaks: Five Questions With Tomas Berdych

The world No. 1's progress in 2014 has been hindered by a back problem that reared its ugly head in this year's Australian Open final and continued to keep the Spaniard from serving at full-tilt ever since. He struggled mightily in winning the Rio title, nearly falling in the semifinals to Pablo Andujar and last week at Indian Wells he was outhit by Alexandr Dolgopolov in the third round, but on Saturday night at the Sony Open Nadal's improved form indicated that the end of his back issues may have come.

“It's true that I am having the feeling of the back better for two weeks already, so I [am starting] to feel a little bit more comfortable with the serve because I am able to practice a little bit the serve and to do the normal movement again,” Nadal told reporters late Saturday. “So that's important thing for me.”

>>>Miami Vids: Baghdatis Lucks Out | Roger's Wicked Forehand | Petko's Hidden Talent | Gulbis Obliterates Another Racquet


Whether it was the back that bothered him or it was just a poor night in Indian Wells, Nadal is ready to move on and to make a push to win one of the few prestigious titles that has eluded him over the course of his career. “I think in Indian Wells I didn't play the right way,” the three-time Miami finalist said. “I think I played with too many mistakes.”

Lleyton Hewitt, who many like to compare to Nadal in terms of pugnacity and passion for the sport, admitted that he was no match for Rafa's revved up game on Saturday. “He was too good,” the Aussie deadpanned. “Absolutely. Yeah. He hit the ball really clean right from the start. If I could of held one of my first couple service games and got my teeth into the match a bit, but that's why he's the best player."

Though one match is certainly no guarantee that Nadal is free and clear of his issues with the back, the signs all point in a positive direction for Nadal. After a few more battles in the dank Miami heat, it should be clear whether he's in tip-top shape or still experiencing some limitations.

The serve has been the biggest issue of late, particularly the second serve, for Nadal. But judging from his impressive numbers from the service stripe against Hewitt, he could indeed be out of hot water. Nadal won 13 of 15 second serve points against the Aussie, and did not face a break point all night.

Nadal will face the explosive Denis Istomin in the third round on Monday. The Spaniard has swept all three of his previous encounters with the man from Uzbekistan.

If Nadal can manage to win his first career Miami title by the end of next week, he would become only the second player to have won eight of the nine Masters 1000 titles. Novak Djokovic is the only player to have won eight  while Federer and Nadal both have won seven.