Fernando Verdasco through at home tournament

Fernando Verdasco won through against Denis Istomin at the Madrid Open this afternoon.

The two players traded serves during the early exchanges of the opening set, which looked to be heading for a breaker.

However, 28-year-old Verdasco claimed a late break of Istomin's serve to go on and the clinch the set 7-5.

That setback appeared to knock Istomin's confidence as the Uzbekistani surrendered two more of his services games in the next set, allowing Madrid-born Verdasco to record a 7-5 6-2 victory at his home tournament.

The world number 19 will now face Colombia's Alejandro Falla in the next round.