Nadal, Djokovic struggle but avoid upsets

Both were pushed to their limits but eventually won against much less celebrated opponents

MADRID: Novak Djokovic staved off a huge upset and Rafael Nadal was made to battle in their opening matches at the Madrid Masters on Wednesday.

In his first outing since splitting with his long-time coaching team, Djokovic had to dig deep before eventually despatching Nicolas Almagro 6-1, 4-6, 7-5 in his second-round tie.

Nadal was also taken to three sets before seeing off Fabio Fognini 7-6 (7/3), 3-6, 6-4.

"My level of tennis was not so high today, but I managed to make it through the first round. It was uncomfortable. It was a really awful day. it was really windy," said Nadal. "It's true I've been through some difficult days with the issue of my ear [infection], which cost me a little bit of general stability. I feel a little bit strange. But it's something that is getting better day after day."

Djokovic arrived in the Spanish capital without a coach after bringing to an end a 10-year relationship with Marian Vajda in an attempt to reverse his dramatic slump in form over the past year.

And after a blistering start, Djokovic had to battle back from 3-0 down in the deciding set to book his place in the last 16 on Thursday against Feliciano Lopez, who beat Gilles Simon 6-3, 3-6, 7-6 (7/3).

"I'm still finding my way to that consistency level and quality of tennis that I'm looking for," said Djokovic. "I'm aware that I'm not playing at my best, but I'm definitely believing in myself and the process. Eventually the game will come together."

Nadal now faces Australian Nick Kyrgios in the third round, who cruised past American Ryan Harrison 6-3, 6-3.

Meanwhile, Benoit Paire upset third seed Stan Wawrinka 7-5, 4-6, 6-2 after the Swiss had served for the first set.

Fifth seed Milos Raonic is into the last-16 as he got the better of a battle between two big servers, 6-4, 6-4 over Gilles Muller.

Kei Nishikori recovered from a dreadful start to beat Argentine Diego Schwartzman 1-6, 6-0, 6-4 and faces David Ferrer next.

In the WTA Madrid Open, Canadian Eugenie Bouchard advanced when top seed Angelique Kerber retired with a hamstring injury trailing 6-3, 5-0 in their third-round match.

Kerber will take over the top ranking on Monday as a result of earlier Madrid results. The match lasted less than an hour. AFP

"I just felt it in the last game. Now I will just check it. I will check it, I hope it's not too serious. But I can feel it a little bit," she said.