World No 1 Nadal defeated Indian qualifier Somdev Devvarman 7-5, 6-4 while 16-time major winner Federer also faced a stubborn opponent in American Ryan Harrison before he pulled off a 7-6 (7/4), 6-3 win
World No 1 Nadal defeated Indian qualifier Somdev Devvarman 7-5, 6-4 while 16-time major winner Federer also faced a stubborn opponent in American Ryan Harrison before he pulled off a 7-6 (7/4), 6-3 win.
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| India's Somdev Devvarman during his match against Spaniard Rafael Nadal at Indian Wells yesterdsay. PIC/AFP |
Reigning Australian Open champion Djokovic stretched his win streak to 17 by crushing doubles partner, and Davis Cup winning teammate, Viktor Troicki 6-0, 6-1.
Devvarman, who made the final in Johannesburg last month, earned the respect of Nadal and the main stadium crowd which gave him several ovations.
"All matches are different for sure," Nadal said. "He (Somdev) did well. He is a good player."
Devvarman, who is the first Indian player to reach the fourth round at this desert venue, said he felt comfortable on centre court. "I was pleased with the way I competed. I wasn't over-awed by the situation or the guy I was playing against," Devvarman said. "It was a great experience to play the No 1 player in the world," he said.
