Novak Djokovic and Rafael Nadal – vying for the world’s top ranking – powered through their openers at the China Open on Tuesday but women’s top seed Serena Williams stumbled her way into the third round.
Djokovic signalled his intent to reclaim the title he won in the Chinese capital last year, sweeping aside Lukas Rosol 6-0, 6-3. The Serbian world number one – and top seed – defeated his Czech challenger in just 53 minutes.
Nadal, who could unseat Djokovic in the world rankings depending what happens in Beijing, faced slightly more resistance from Santiago Giraldo, with the Spaniard claiming a 6-2, 6-4 win in about 90 minutes.
“Today is an important victory for me against an important opponent like Giraldo,” Nadal said. “If I’m able to keep playing well every day and at the same level I will have the chance to be there, to be number one in the future.”
The second seed will now face German Philipp Kohlschreiber, while Djokovic will meet Spain’s Fernando Verdasco in the second round.
Third seed David Ferrer won his opening match against Canadian Vasek Pospisil 6-4, 3-6, 7-6 (7-2), setting up a second-round clash with Marinko Matosevic, who beat France’s Julien Benneteau 7-6 (7-5), 6-3.