Nadal powers past Bjorkman
Wednesday, 11 Jun 2008 23:06
Nadal secured a comfortable win over Bjorkman
French Open champion Rafael Nadal has eased past Jonas Bjorkman to move into the third round of the Artois Championships at Queen's Club.
The 22-year old Spaniard displayed all his customary athleticism and shot-making ability as he sealed a comprehensive 6-2, 6-2 victory over the veteran Swede.
Top seed Nadal, playing his first match on grass this year after receiving a bye in the first round, was pleased with his performance against the 2006 Wimbledon semi-finalist.
He said: "Right now I am playing well. Sometimes it's difficult to adapt from clay to grass, but I came through this.
"It was a very important win and I am feeling good. I like it here."
Nadal will now face Japan's Kei Nishikori in the last 16 and could set up a semi-final meeting with defending champion Andy Roddick, who is looking to win a record fifth crown.
Roddick, who was absent at Roland Garros with a shoulder injury, made tough work of fellow American Robbi Ginepri, eventually coming through 6-7 (8-6), 6-1, 6-1.
Elsewhere, it was a good day for the seeds, with only Andreas Seppi losing in three sets to Latvian Ernests Gulbis, who will meet Andy Murray on Thursday.
World number three Novak Djokovic claimed a 6-2, 7-6 (9-7) victory against Roko Karanusic, while fourth seed David Nalbandian beat Serbia's Victor Troiki 6-4, 7-6.
Lleyton Hewitt, also seeking a fifth title at Queen's, comfortably defeated Wimbledon wild card recipient Xavier Malisse 6-3, 6-2, while fifth seed Richard Gasquet saw off Simone Bolelli 6-3, 7-6.