Result: Rafael Nadal wins clay court opener
© PA Photos
Rafael Nadal began the defence of his Monte Carlo Masters title with a victory over Jarkko Nieminen this afternoon.
The Spaniard made an instant impact on the encounter when he broke Nieminen's serve at the first time of asking to put him 2-0 in front.
Nieminen responded by holding his remaining service games, but he was unable to regain the game that he lost as world number two Nadal served out for a 6-4 success.
Just as he did in the opening set, Nadal broke his Finnish opponent early in the next.
The 25-year-old, who has won this tournament seven years on the trot, then claimed another of Nieminen's service games to open up a 5-2 advantage and leave him serving for the match.
However, a high lob from Nieminen in the next game caused Nadal to strike his return into the net and allow the Finn a chance to break serve, which he subsequently took.
He failed to build upon that success, however, as Nadal broke straight back to win the match 6-4 6-3.
Nadal will now face Kazakhstan's Mikhail Kukushkin in round three.
The Spaniard made an instant impact on the encounter when he broke Nieminen's serve at the first time of asking to put him 2-0 in front.
Nieminen responded by holding his remaining service games, but he was unable to regain the game that he lost as world number two Nadal served out for a 6-4 success.
Just as he did in the opening set, Nadal broke his Finnish opponent early in the next.
The 25-year-old, who has won this tournament seven years on the trot, then claimed another of Nieminen's service games to open up a 5-2 advantage and leave him serving for the match.
However, a high lob from Nieminen in the next game caused Nadal to strike his return into the net and allow the Finn a chance to break serve, which he subsequently took.
He failed to build upon that success, however, as Nadal broke straight back to win the match 6-4 6-3.
Nadal will now face Kazakhstan's Mikhail Kukushkin in round three.
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