Miami Masters: It’s great to be back, says Nadal

Spaniard returns to winning ways, progresses to third round.

MIAMI: World number one Rafael Nadal said he was pleased with his performance as he hammered former number one Lleyton Hewitt 6-1, 6-3 on Saturday to reach the third round at the ATP and WTA Miami Masters hardcourt tournament. Nadal has not played here since 2012.

“It’s great to be back,” said Nadal. “I really enjoy it here. There was no better way to start my return than with a win like this.”

Nadal ripped through the opening set in 27 minutes and eventually dispatched double grand slam winner Hewitt in 66 minutes.

“I have the greatest respect for Lleyton. He’s a great example to me and the other players the way he has come back from injuries. He always keeps fighting.”



Meanwhile, Serbian second seed and three-time Miami champion Novak Djokovic advanced to the fourth round when opponent Florian Mayer retired a day before their scheduled match with a groin injury.

I’m just happy to go through: Sharapova

Russian star Maria Sharapova said she was grateful to have progressed, as she battled through three sets on Saturday to advance into the fourth round.

Sharapova struggled to survive, requiring nine match points to book her place in the last round.

“She [Safarova] was just hitting unbelievable shots on the match points,” said Sharapova. “I’m just so happy to go through.”

She defeated Czech Lucie Safarova 6-4, 6-7 (7/5), 6-2 in a battle which took five minutes short of three hours to complete.

Top seed Serena Williams waited out a 45-minute third-set rain interruption before dispatching France’s Caroline Garcia 6-4, 4-6, 6-4.

Published in The Express Tribune, March 24^th, 2014.

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