Nadal and Federer advance

 

Originally published on: 26/02/10 12:25

Second seed Roger Federer, who has lost the last three finals to Nadal, also advanced to the third round with a straight-sets win over Andreas Seppi.

Chela had beaten Nadal just once in five previous meetings and the Argentinian – ranked 167 in the world – and showed few signs of recording another victory against the clay master.

The Argentine soon found himself trailing 4-0 but Nadal then faltered slightly, allowing Chela to pull a break back in game five.

The world number one also found himself facing three break points in the seventh, but staved off the threat with some powerful forehands before taking the opening set.

Nadal also made a flying start to the second set, opening up a 3-0 cushion. Chela managed to break back in game five, but his fightback was short-lived as the Spaniard immediately regained his advantage to lead 4-2.

The rest of the set went with serve, with Nadal assured of the win when Chela pushed his forehand wide.

Newly-wed Federer overcame a shaky start to beat Seppi 6-4 6-4.

Federer, who married long-time girlfriend Mirka Vavrinec at the weekend, had never dropped a set to the Italian in four previous meetings but was slow to find his rhythm in his opening match on clay.

Federer eventually adjusted to the surface though, and gained the edge breaking once in each set whilst holding his serve throughout to win in one hour and 23 minutes.

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