WATCH | Australian Open: Sleeveless Rafael Nadal rolls back the years in Victor Estrella Burgos demolition

A ruthless Rafael Nadal preserved his creaky knees for tougher tests down the road by routing Dominican journeyman Victor Estrella Burgos 6-1 6-1 6-1 to sail into the second round of the Australian Open on Monday.

Playing his first competitive match since pulling out of the ATP Tour Finals with knee trouble in November, the world number one showed no signs of early season rust as he tore through the evening match at Rod Laver Arena in one hour and 34 minutes.

The 31-year-old, who lost last year's final in a five-set classic with long-time rival Roger Federer, brought up three match points with a huge serve and closed out the match on the first when 37-year-old Estrella Burgos parried a return long.

Nadal's bid for a second Australian Open title and 17th grand slam championship will continue against Argentine Leonardo Mayer.

Here are highlights

 Stop what you're doing 

Our 2017 finalist, @RafaelNadal returns to Rod Laver Arena, this time as World No.1.#AusOpen pic.twitter.com/ZY7wuDOnwV

— #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) January 15, 2018

“(It) is impossible to be more motivated than last year or any year. If you are not enough motivated, 100% motivated to play this tournament, probably you don’t love this sport.”

- @RafaelNadal #AusOpen pic.twitter.com/nrlNAC5GpV

— #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) January 15, 2018

23 minutes! @RafaelNadal takes the first set 6-1 against Estrella Burgos.#AusOpen pic.twitter.com/NUNNGeX5Bm

— #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) January 15, 2018

Not seen since 2008....@RafaelNadal's biceps make their return to Melbourne...#AusOpen pic.twitter.com/SaJgwsBe21

— #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) January 15, 2018

The diminutive Dominican was happy with that one! #AusOpen pic.twitter.com/okV5wLmJmY

— #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) January 15, 2018

Vintage @RafaelNadal...

#AusOpen pic.twitter.com/FkAoXdqxbh

— #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) January 15, 2018

Reaching a @RafaelNadal winner is tough going...#AusOpen pic.twitter.com/wojknBUpg9

— #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) January 15, 2018

.@RafaelNadal takes a hugely entertaining second set.

He leads 6-1 6-1. #AusOpen pic.twitter.com/xMxBSwonVs

— #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) January 15, 2018

Anchorman approves.

#AusOpen pic.twitter.com/5uUZF5s1wg

— #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) January 15, 2018

Welcome back to #Melbourne Rafa!@RafaelNadal begins his #AusOpen 2018 in style d #EstrellaBurgos 6-1 6-1 6-1. pic.twitter.com/gEVJxEVVXP

— #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) January 15, 2018

What a lovely embrace at the net between the two competitors @RafaelNadal through to the second round! 6-1 6-1 6-1#AusOpen pic.twitter.com/ehPjzCes83

— #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) January 15, 2018

“I love this sport. I love tennis. I love the competition. I know one day that I will not have the opportunity to play in this arena [Rod Laver Arena] so I want to enjoy every moment.”

- @RafaelNadal #AusOpen pic.twitter.com/uZVVGu9fV4

— #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) January 15, 2018

“@RodLaverArena is one of the greatest atmospheres on the tour without a doubt. Thank you very much to everybody here in Australia.”

You're welcome Rafa, you're welcome 

- @RafaelNadal #AusOpen pic.twitter.com/hbIN45ziW2

— #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) January 15, 2018

Long may we see @RafaelNadal on Rod Laver Arena!

The World No.1 speaks after progressing through to the second round. #AusOpen pic.twitter.com/F9YaRO1XZV

— #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) January 15, 2018

(Inputs from Reuters)