Nadal and Djokovic off to winning starts at ATP Cup

Rafael Nadal of Spain triumphed over Nikoloz Basilashvili of Georgia during their men's singles match on day two of the ATP Cup tennis tournament in Perth. [Courtesy]

Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic kickstarted their build-up to the Australian Open with straight-sets wins at the ATP Cup Saturday, but world number four Dominic Thiem slumped to defeat.

Top-ranked Nadal had little trouble with Georgia's Nikoloz Basilashvili, racing to a 6-3, 7-5 victory, while long-time rival Djokovic was given more of a test by South Africa's Kevin Anderson before overcoming him 7-6 (7/5), 7-6 (8/6).