Perth, Australia, Jan 6 (AFP/APP): World number one Rafael Nadal sharpened his serve and cruised to a 6-2, 6-1 victory over Pablo Cuevas at the ATP Cup on Monday in a flawless display as he fine tunes for the Australian Open. The 19-time Grand Slam champion hit 26 winners and fired down seven aces against the world number 45 to clinch Spain’s victory over Uruguay in Perth after Roberto Bautista Agut beat Franco Roncadelli 6-1, 6-2. Spain plays Japan on Wednesday with the winner qualifying for the knockout phase in Sydney, while the loser will have to rely on other results. Underdog Cuevas had beaten Nadal in Rio four years ago, a feat particularly impressive for having been played on the Spaniard’s preferred clay surface. But he was never in the contest Monday. “I played better than the other day and it’s a very positive victory against an opponent I have a lot of respect for,” said Nadal, while praising the packed stadium as the reason why he keeps going. “Because of these very special feelings when you are on court in front of a great crowd supporting, that’s one of the reasons why you wake up every morning and … Continue reading Nadal on fire as Spain crush Uruguay at ATP Cup