Madrid Masters 2013: Federer, Murray Cruise To Third Round, Djokovic Stunned

By Lou Aguila (staff@latinospost.com) | First Posted: May 08, 2013 10:34 PM EDT

Tags Roger Federer, Novak Djokovic, Andy Murray, Madrid Masters, ATP Tour, Tennis

Former world's no.1 Roger Federer advanced to the next round of the Madrid Masters after dispatching Czech veteran Radek Stepanek in straights 6-3, 6-3 on the red court of Madrid on Wednesday.

Federer had a flawless start at the Madrid Masters as he cruised to another easy victory without dropping a single set. Federer, who hasn't played since losing to Rafael Nadal in the quarterfinal of the Indian Wells Open, dominated the game with a stable service game and sharp forehand winners.

"I feel good now," Federer told reporters following his victory, according to Fox News on Wednesday. "Took me a little time to get over my back issue from Indian Wells."

Federer is gunning for his fourth title in Madrid after winning the tourney in 2006, 2009 and 2012. However, defending the title this year may need extra effort as Federer tracks a challenging route toward the final.

In the third round, the defending Madrid Masters champion is set to face Japanese rising star Kei Nishikori - who's slowly making a name in the ATP Tour.

The 14^th seed Nishikori earned himself a date with arguably the greatest tennis player of all-time following his 7-5, 6-2 victory over Serbian Victor Troicki.

Also advancing to the next round is Britain's no.1 Andy Murray, who grinded out a 7-6 (11), 7-6 (3) win over Germany's Florian Mayer. Murray, who's still struggling to take his game on clay to another level, had a hard time shaking off Mayer in two hard-fought sets, but still managed to come up with big shots when needed the most.

With the victory, Murray arranges a third-round clash with Frenchman Giles Simon. Simon progressed to the next round after eliminating fellow Frenchman Jeremy Chardy 6-4, 7-6 (5).

Along with Nadal, Federer and Murray emerge as strong contenders in the tourney following the second-round ouster of Novak Djokovic. The top-rank Serb succumbed to Bulgarian Grigor Dimitrov 7-6 (8-6), 6-7 (8-10), 6-3 on Wednesday, making it his worst performance this season.