Rafael Nadal maintained his lethal pace on clay through his 26th straight win on the surface as confident Roger Federer began his title challenge with straight-sets success at the Rome Masters. Top seed Nadal claimed a place in the third round over Italy's Andreas Seppi 6-2, 6-3.
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Federer came to the court against the all-serve game of Ivo Karlovic and fired his lone ace on match point against 15 for the Croatian in a 6-4, 6-4 win. Fourth seed Andy Murray beat Argentine Juan Monaco 1-6, 6-3, 7-5.
Novak Djokovic made quick work of 13th-seeded Tommy Robredo, advancing to the quarters with a 6-1, 6-1 win.
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