Roger Federer, Marat Safin and Guillermo Coria all had comfortable wins as the big names made progress at the Monte Carlo Masters on Wednesday. Federer gave further proof of his clay-court credentials with a 6-3 6-4 win over Spain's Albert Montanes.
Second seed Marat Safin saw off Cyril Saulnier 6-3 6-1, and defending champion Guillermo Coria beat French qualifier Thierry Ascione 6-2 6-1.
Rafael Nadal also looked strong in a 6-0 6-3 demolition of Xavier Malisse.
The 11th seed, who is chasing his third title on clay this year, lost just nine points in the first set as he set up a meeting with Belgium's Olivier Rochus.
"I played very well in the first set, a bit more aggressive than yesterday, which was my intention," said Nadal.
 |  It takes a lot of points, a lot of days to get your rhythm on clay |
Sixth seed Coria of Argentina needed just 63 minutes to set up a meeting with Spain's Alberto Martin, who beat French wildcard Jean-Rene Lisnard 6-1 6-2.
"Today I felt a bit like last year," said the Coria. "I was very happy with my physical condition today and I'm very happy with my game."
Federer should face a tougher test in the last 16 against Fernando Gonzalez, who beat Mario Ancic 6-2 7-6 (7-4).
"It was a solid performance," said the Swiss after his win over Montanes.
"It's always a test playing against a Spanish player on clay, and you could see
the difference from yesterday (against Greg Rusedski)."
And looking forward to facing the heavy-hitting Gonzalez, Federer said: "He's got more power than Montanes and he is always good on clay.
"I beat him at Hamburg last year but on any given day he can beat anybody on clay, so it's a dangerous match-up."
Safin will next meet Juan Carlos Ferrero, who beat Jiri Novak 3-6 6-3 6-2.
"That was better than yesterday and hopefully I'll continue improving," said the Russian.
"It takes a lot of points, a lot of days to get your rhythm on clay. It's still too early to think about winning it."
MMIX
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