Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal breezed through to the second round
of the Qatar Open with straight-sets wins on Tuesday.
Playing with his trademark elegance, Federer, the world's
top-ranked player, crushed Christophe Rochus of Belgium 6-1, 6-2
while Nadal, ranked No. 2, beat Simone Bolelli of Italy 6-3, 6-3.
With no sign of a back problem that plagued him at the start
of last season, Federer launched his 2010 campaign by breaking
Rochus in games four and six -- the Belgian guilty of three
unforced errors in each game -- to take the first set. He then
broke Rochus in games one and seven of the second set to seal the
victory.
Federer fired 12 aces in a match he completely dominated,
firing 47 winners against his Belgian opponent. He next plays
Russia's Evgeny Korolev on Wednesday.
"I got good practice in Abu Dhabi and I was able to create
points,'' Federer said. "It was good to get on a roll. My movement
was explosive. I am happy how I played.''
Nadal also recorded an easy win to set up a second round
clash with Potito Starace of Italy.
"I tried my best there. I gave 100 percent in the match. I
got good practice in Abu Dhabi and that gave me good rhythm for
this match,'' Nadal said. "Bolelli plays good shots so this was a
tough match.''
