Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic easily punched their way to the next round while Serena Williams struggled to get by a former Grand Slam champion on the third day of the 2013 China Open in Beijing China.
Nadal kick-started his quest to reclaim the top spot in the world rankings with a 6-2, 6-4 victory over tournament qualifier Santiago Giraldo. Nadal, who entered the Asian circuit of the ATP Tour season with a 22-win streak on hard court, played a little bit rusty after a two-week rest, but still able to come up with the big shots to wrap up his first-round assignment in roughly 30 minutes.
"Today is an important victory for me against an important opponent like Giraldo," Nadal told AFP via Yahoo.com "If I'm able to keep playing well every day and at the same level I will have the chance to be there, to be number one in the future."
On the other hand, Djokovic showed his intent to defend the top ranking in the ATP Tour, and at the same time, the China Open crown after dominating Lukas Rosol of Czech Republic 6-0, 6-3. The Serb will now take on former Top 10 netter Fernando Verdasco of Spain in the second round.
Meanwhile, Williams advanced to the third round of the China Open, but not before fending off a spirited challenge from French Open winner Francesca Schiavone 6-4, 7-5. Williams, who bagged the French Open and U.S. Open title this season, could not use her bludgeoning style of play against a very agile Schiavone.
But like all great champions, Williams found a way to grind out a hard-earned victory to extend her stay in China's capital city of Beijing.
"It didn't surprise me," Williams told AFP following her victory against the Italian. "I was definitely more surprised that I played so well in the Open, but it was a different circumstance - even though the score line looked much easier at the Open, it wasn't an easy match. But as for Francesca playing so well today, I wasn't surprised about that."
Williams is scheduled to next face Maria Kirilenko, who downed Poland's Urszula Radwanska, 6-4 6-4, in their second round duel.
For more Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic news, read more at Latinos Post Sports.
- Contribute to this Story:
- Send us a tip
- Send us a photo or video
- Suggest a correction
