Nadal powers through to second round
Nadal marches onwards to the second round
Also In The News
|
Seventh seed David Nalbandian has become the first high-profile casualty at Wimbledon 2008 after he was knocked out in straight sets by qualifier Frank Dancevic. |  |
Tuesday, 24, Jun 2008 09:00
World number two Rafael Nadal made it though to the second round of Wimbledon earlier today, seeing off German Andreas Beck in straight sets.
The 21-year-old was given a considerable work-out in the 6-4 6-4 7-6 victory with Beck putting on a valiant display.
Nadal broke the qualifier's serve in the seventh and third games of the first two sets, with Beck's testing groundstrokes making for some entertaining rallies.
Four-time French Open winner Nadal said of his competent opponent: "He was another leftie and his second serve was difficult to read. He served to the body and that was hard for me."
Continuing: "It was a strange match. There weren't many points from the baseline and I play mostly from the baseline."
Nadal will now go on to face up-and-coming Ernst Gubils in the final 64, after the Latvian won 7-5 7-5 6-7 7-6 against the towering American John Isner.
Many ex-players and pundits, notably Bjorn Bjorg, have tipped Nadal to take the title this year, preventing defending champion Roger Federer from winning a record sixth consecutive time.