Nadal eases in Madrid Open 3rd round

MANILA, Philippines – Rafael Nadal avoided a similar fate to beaten world No. 1 Novak Djokovic when he dismissed French young gun Benoit Paire to claim a place in the third round of the Madrid Open. Nadal showed why he has the best record on clay in the pro era with a clinical display. The Spanish world No. 1, who has won four titles since his return from a seven-month injury layoff in February, delighted the home support at the Magic Box Arena with some brilliant shot-making. He broke the 23-year-old Paire once in each set, and will meet compatriot Nicolas Almagro or unseeded Russian Mikhail Youzhny for a place in the last eight. -- Mornings @ ANC, May 9, 2013