ATP News : 2008


FERRER AND NADAL INTO 3RD ROUND

Blake, Nalbandian, Monfils and Murray advanced too in the first part of the draw


www.atptennis.com World No. 1 Rafael Nadal powered past American qualifier Ryler DeHeart 6-1, 6-2, 6-4 on Thursday night at Flushing Meadows to secure his place in the US Open third round.

Nadal held his opponent to just seven points total in the opening set, and succeeded in taking the two-sets lead in just 53 minutes. DeHeart jumped out to a 3-0 lead in the third set, but the Spaniard promptly recovered the service break and broke the American again to set himself on the way to victory.

Nadal was facing his second straight qualifier after coming through a three-hour test against German Bjorn Phau in his opening match Monday.

The 22-year-old, who overtook the No. 1 spot in the South African Airways ATP Rankings on August 18, is attempting to become just the second player in the past 20 years to win in his first Grand Slam tournament as the World No. 1, matching the accomplishment of 1992 Roland Garros champion Jimmy Connors.

Nadal is also trying to become the first player to win Roland Garros, Wimbledon and US Open in the same season since Rod Laver completed the Grand Slam in 1969. Only four other players in the Open Era have won three or more Grand Slam titles in one year.



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