New Delhi: It was a good day for seeded players in the Rome Masters with wins for Novak Djokovic, Fernando Gonzalez and Nicholay Davydenko. But all eyes were on American Andy Roddick and Spaniard Rafael Nadal as they made through into the last 16.
Former world number one Andy Roddick showed none of the rustiness associated with injuries as he took the court for his first match on clay this season against Gaston Gaudio.
Back from a hamstring injury, Roddick looked to be making up for lost time, breaking serve to take a 3-1 lead, before taking it 6-1. The third seeded American, however, needed five match points in a closer second set before putting away this volley to take the tie-breaker, and the match 6-1, 7-6.
"Yeah coming in and playing a guy that kind of specialises on this surface, and to beat him in straight sets - it is not an easy thing for me so it was a good day," Roddick said after the match.
Spain's World No. 2 Rafael Nadal carried on his superb form on clay as he easily wrapped up the first set 6-4 against local favourite Daniele Braccialli.
"But for sure, I can lose! So, I need to fight every point, every match, like this. I have chances to win but chances to lose for sure," Nadal said.
Braccialli fought gamely, but couldn't stop Rafa from chalking out his 73rd consecutive win on clay 6-4, 6-2.
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