Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal win Thursday openers, but Dominic Thiem crashes out

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Roger Federer at Madrid Open PA

Roger Federer eased into the third round of the Italian Open with a comfortable 6-4, 6-3 win over Jaoo Sousa on a frantic day of tennis.

Federer was due to play yesterday but saw his match washed out, along with all the rest of the matches.

That sees him pulling double duty on Thursday, and he made the perfect start with a routine win.

He will now face Borna Coric later in the day, but he feels he has the advantage.

“I think it gives me some good information and I believe it is going to be similar conditions this afternoon,” Federer said.

“The interesting thing is I played today, is that an advantage? Is it a disadvantage?

“Borna is tough. I lost a couple of times to him last year.

“Regardless of the surface I know it is going to be tough.”

Dominic Thiem was a surprise loser though, as he he fell to a surprise 4-6, 6-4, 7-5 defeat to Fernando Verdasco.

Rafael Nadal was in brutal mood, however, blitzing James Chardy 6-0, 6-1.

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