 Nadal finished his match against Bolelli with an ace in Doha |
The world's top two players, Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal, launched their 2010 ATP Tour campaigns with straight-set wins at the Qatar Open. World number one and top seed Federer cruised past Belgian Christophe Rochus 6-1 6-2 in the first round in Doha. Earlier on Tuesday, Nadal, who is carrying less muscle bulk than last year, beat Simone Bolelli 6-3 6-3. Bolelli was broken twice in the first set and once in the second by Nadal, who closed the match out with an ace. "I tried my best there. I gave 100% in the match," said Nadal, who will next play Potito Starace of Italy.  | 606: DEBATE |
"I got good practice in Abu Dhabi and that gave me good rhythm for this match. Bolelli plays good shots so this was a tough match." Federer, who will play Russia's Evgeny Korolev on Wednesday, hit 12 aces and 47 winners as he dominated against Rochus. "I got good practice in Abu Dhabi and I was able to create points," said Federer. "It was good to get on a roll. My movement was explosive. I am happy how I played." One of the most popular victories of the day went to Moroccan wild card Younes El Aynaoui, who defeated US qualifier Ryler DeHeart 7-6 (7-3) 7-6 (7-4). The 38-year-old, who did not play at all last year, became the oldest player to win an ATP Tour match since a 42-year-old Jimmy Connors in Halle in 1995. El Aynaoui will now play Steve Darcis, who eased past Guillermo Garcia-Lopez 6-4 6-1. Poland's Lukasz Kubot thrashed Karim Maamoun of Egypt 6-0 6-2, while Italy's Andreas Seppi beat Oscar Hernandez 6-4 7-5.
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