Rafael Nadal storms past Marsel Ilhan in Rome

Rafael Nadal made light work of Marsel Ilhan to cruise into the third round of the Italian Open in Rome this afternoon.

The clay-court specialist dropped to seventh in the world standings yesterday, but stormed into a 5-1 lead in the opening set against Ilhan.

The Turk found himself 0-40 down in the next game, but managed to save four set points to give himself a stay of execution. Nadal took the next game to love, however, wrapping up the first set 6-2.

The second was even more straightforward for the Spaniard, who broke Ilhan in all three of his service games while holding his own to wrap up a 6-2 6-0 success in just over half an hour.

Nadal will face either John Isner or Leonardo Mayer in the next round.