Murray a Step ahead
his feet. The first set was a struggle: Murray had only won three points before Stepanek was a break to the good and standing within a point of a 3-0 lead. Gradually, the world No2 steadied the ship, got the break back and then made his way to the tiebreak. Once there, he took an early lead, repelled a brief comeback from the Czech and after an hour, won the set and looked as if he was ready to take charge. But Stepanek had other ideas. The second set was Stepanek’s from the outset as he sped to a 4-1 lead and he never gave Murray a chance to get back into contention. But once he had savoured that moment in the spotlight, Murray finally pulled rank and dominated the decider. He took his time to get there but, finally, the Scot began to look like a defending champion.
Nadal’s progress towards the French Open at the end of the month is gathering momentum week by week.
He arrived in the Spanish capital on a 10-match winning streak and with the trophies from Monte Carlo and Barcelona in his kitbag.
And then, without seeming to break a sweat, he dismissed Andrey Kuznetsov 6-3, 6-3 in 78 swift minutes yesterday. Another town, another win and Nadal was a very happy man.
“If you take a look at my career, when I have been able to play matches in a row and compete well weeks in a row, then I feel myself stronger and I feel myself better,” he said.
“I am happy with the way that I started the clay-court season, for sure. Today is another victory, so that’s great news. I’m excited about this tournament. That’s it. Next match on Thursday.”
That match will be against either Sam Querrey or Lucas Pouille.