Nadal advances to second round

Chennai:

World No. 2 Rafael Nadal of Spain tamed a fighting Rainer Schuettler of Germany 6-4 6-2 to progress to the second round of the Chennai Open ATP tournament in Chennai on Tuesday night. Being watched by compatriot and two-time champion Carlos Moya from sidelines, Nadal played a tactical game as the German gave him a tough time in the first set. Nadal, playing his rival for the fourth time and having a better ratio of two wins and a loss over Schuettler, reigned supreme in his service games and was able to gain a few break points. The first set was replete of rallies. Nadal, winner of five titles in 2006, committed too many unforced errors to be broken in the sixth game. The French Open champion increased the pace of his returns and cleverly played the chip shots to hold advantage over the German in the seventh game. The ninth game was the longest in the first set and Schuettler railled to save his game thrice. However, Nadal, who had to work harder for a vital lead, made Schuettler commit some unforced errors. Up 5-4, Nadal looked all set to win the first set easily. But Schuettler fought hard and almost broke the Spaniard's serve before conceding the initiative. Nadal was more composed in the second set. He started off with a break and almost came up with yet another in the third game. In the fifth game, Schuettler, trailing 1-3, enthralled the crowd with some volleys and made Nadal to toil hard. However, the Spaniard effected another break and later wrapped up the match in style.