World number one Rafael Nadal has progressed to the second round of the Australian Open at the expense of Bernard Tomic, who was forced to retire from the match due to a groin injury.

Both players had a positive start to the encounter by holding their serves, but it soon became clear that Tomic was struggling with a groin problem in the early stages.

The 21-year-old sought treatment while 3-2 up in the first set, and while it appeared that he would pull out of the match, the Australian pro continued, but Nadal began to dominate.

After winning a break point and wrapping up the first set 6-4, Tomic decided that he could not continue, resulting in Nadal being gifted a place in the next phase of the tournament.