Tennis: World number two Rafael Nadal raised fitness concerns before this month's Australian Open after he was thrashed 6-0 6-1 by Mikhail Youzhny in the Chennai Open final.
The Spaniard looked stiff from the start against fourth seed Youzhny, clearly showing the effect of his marathon four-hour semi-final win over compatriot Carlos Moya the previous day.
Nadal called for medical attention trailing 4-1 in the second set and then went through the motions as Youzhny completed his fourth career title win with ease, disappointing a large holiday crowd cheering the Spaniard.
Youzhny, the world number 19, produced an array of superb forehand shots to race through the first set in just over 20 minutes as Nadal made many unforced errors.
Although the Spaniard took a vitamin tablet during the break between the sets, it appeared to have no effect as Youzhny against broke his rival in the fourth game before going 4-1 up.
The trainer stretched Nadal's right leg before the player returned to the court to complete the match, Youzhny serving out to secure victory in under one hour.