World number one and top seed Roger Federer was beaten in the third round of the Nasdaq-100 Open by rising Spanish star Rafael Nadal. The 17-year-old Nadal needed just 69 minutes to wrap up a 6-3 6-3 win and inflict just the second defeat of the year on Wimbledon champion Federer.
The left-handed Spaniard did not face a break point as he took Federer apart with some relentless hitting.
Nadal will now play Chile's Fernando Gonzalez for a place in the last eight.
 |  He hit some really incredible shots - and that's what youngsters do |
Federer served eight aces and just two double faults but could not get to grips with Nadal's service with the Spaniard getting 79% of his first serves in.
"I served extremely well. Probably I never served like this before in my life - that was the key," said Nadal.
"I played almost perfect tennis," added the Spaniard, who is the youngest player in the draw.
"I was pressing him. I knew the most important point was I couldn't let him play his own game. From the first point I had to dictate the exchange."
Federer said he was aware of Nadal's reputation as one of the new stars of men's tennis.
"I've heard a lot about him and saw some of his matches, so this is not a big surprise," said the Australian Open champion.
"He hit some really incredible shots, and that's what youngsters do," added the 22-year-old.
MMIX
E-mail this to a friend 
Printable version 
