Monday, 31 March, 2008

Rafael Nadal moved a step closer towards his first title of the season by defeating Nicolas Kiefer 6-2 6-4 in the third round of the Sony Ericsson Open.

After receiving a first-round bye, second seed Nadal posted his second consecutive straight-sets victory after defeating qualifier Benjamin Becker in the second round.

Next up for Nadal is Paul-Henri Mathieu, who ousted Carlos Moya of Spain 7-6 (7/1) 7-5.

Ninth-seeded American James Blake, who could face Nadal in the last eight, overcame Frenchman Fabrice Santoro 6-3 6-7 (4/7) 6-4.

Blake will next face Radek Stepanek of the Czech Republic, who beat Belgian Xavier Malisse 6-3 7-6 (7/4).

Tomas Berdych, the 10th seed from the Czech Republic, secured a 6-1 6-3 victory over Juan Carlos Ferrero of Spain, while Guillermo Canas eliminated Fernando Gonzalez 7-6 (8/6) 7-5 and Dmitry Tursunov defeated Feliciano Lopez 4-6 6-3 6-4.

South African Kevin Anderson, who defeated Australian Open champion Novak Djokovic earlier in the competition, was beaten in three sets by Russian Igo Andreev (6-4 6-7 (4/7) 6-4).

Murray shrugs off rankings slide
Henin through to quarters in Miami
Nadal too strong for Kiefer
Poor service proves Murray's downfall
New Wimbledon deal for BBC
Djokovic reels in Fish