Nadal easily beats Andreev

HAMBURG – Rafael Nadal easily defeated the last man to beat him on clay Thursday, downing Igor Andreev 6-4, 6-1 to reach the quarter?nals of the Hamburg Masters.

Top-ranked Roger Federer also advanced, producing some solid tennis to beat Juan Carlos Ferrero 6-2, 6-3. Nadal extended his record streak to 79 victories on clay.He has been unbeaten on the surface since he lost to Andreev in the quarter?nals of the Valencia Open on April 8, 2005.Since then, Nadal’s run has included 13 tournament titles.”It was a long time ago.It doesn’t matter to me,” Nadal said of facing the last man to have beaten him.”What matters is that he is a very dif?cult player on clay so it’s good to have a win against him.”Nadal, seeded second in the tournament behind Federer, dominated Thursday’s match, facing only two break points and saving them both.”I am happy with my game.The wind was a problem, it’s dif?cult to play winners in such conditions,” Nadal said.”But the court was a little faster than yesterday and it was better for me.I felt very comfortable on the court throughout the match.”Nampa-APNadal extended his record streak to 79 victories on clay.He has been unbeaten on the surface since he lost to Andreev in the quarter?nals of the Valencia Open on April 8, 2005.Since then, Nadal’s run has included 13 tournament titles.”It was a long time ago.It doesn’t matter to me,” Nadal said of facing the last man to have beaten him.”What matters is that he is a very dif?cult player on clay so it’s good to have a win against him.”Nadal, seeded second in the tournament behind Federer, dominated Thursday’s match, facing only two break points and saving them both.”I am happy with my game.The wind was a problem, it’s dif?cult to play winners in such conditions,” Nadal said.”But the court was a little faster than yesterday and it was better for me.I felt very comfortable on the court throughout the match.”Nampa-AP