Easy does it for Rafael Nadal as Roger Federer sets up Stan Wawrinka showdown

ATP Tour
Rafael Nadal in action

Rafael Nadal dropped only two games as he booked his third-round spot at the BNP Paribas Open while Roger Federer had more of a workout.

Three-time Indian Wells champion Nadal required only one hour and 12 minutes to beat Jared Donaldson from the United States 6-1, 6-1.

“Today was a very positive step for me, and next one going to be against a player that we know each other very well, we practiced a lot of times, and we played some tough matches,” the Spaniard, who will face Diego Schwartzman next after the Argentine beat Roberto Carbralles 6-3, 6-1, said.

“(He is) one of the best talents of the sport today so it’s going to be a tough one against Diego.”

Federer, a five-time winner of the BNP Paribas Open, held off a second-set fightback from Peter Gojowczyk to advance with a 6-1, 7-5 win.

The 20-time Grand Slam champion found himself 3-1 down in the second set, but hit back in game five before claiming the decisive break in game 11.

“I struggled a little bit with my serving in that second set and that gave him chances,” Federer said. “Because he was serving better he started to swing more freely and then it was tough.

“I’m really happy I found a way in that second set.”

Next up is fellow Swiss Stan Wawrinka, who came through a titanic three hour and 24 minute battle against Marton Fucsovics.

Three-time Grand Slam winner Wawrinka finally won 6-4, 6-7 (5-7), 7-5.

Sixth seed Kei Nishikori also advanced with a tight 6-4, 4-6, 7-6 (7-4) win over Adrian Mannarino while American eighth seed John Isner secured an impressive 6-0, 6-2 win over Alexei Popyrin.

British No 1 Kyle Edmund also advanced as the 22nd seed beat Nicolas Jarry from Chile 6-2, 6-0.

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