Chennai Open: Nadal-Vidal win

Chennai:

Rafael Nadal displayed top form when he combined with fellow Spaniard Bartolome Salva Vidal to dethrone holders Petr Pala and Michal Mertinak 6-1 6-3 at the ATP Chennai Open on Monday. The Indian challenge in the event ended with the defeat of wildcard entrants Vishal Uppal-Ashuthosh Singh who lost 4-6 4-6 to Tomas Behrend (GER) and Robin Vik (Czech Republic) in their pre-quarterfinal match in 63 minutes on centre court. This is the first time in the event's history that India's top doubles stars Leander Paes and Mahesh Bhupathi are not featuring in the contest. Nadal was authoritative from the beginning. Vidal also matched his partner and the pair worked in tandem for points, which they gained from their own service games and gave no leeway to their rivals. Nadal, who had won the doubles title with his compatriot Tommy Robredo here in 2004 before rising to stardom, has won three ATP tour doubles titles. Pala and Mertinak were no pushovers but the Spaniards converted even difficult returns and the defending champions ran out of ideas to stop the Spanish duo. The Spaniards had three and two breaks in their straight game win in inside an hour.

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