Saturday 9 May 2015 09:24, UK
Rafael Nadal started the defence of his Madrid Masters title with a confidence boosting win over Steve Johnson in the second round.
The Spaniard's struggles have continued in recent weeks, despite the switch to his favoured clay surface, and he will have welcomed a 6-4 6-3 win in front of his home crowd.
Johnson had made an assured start, holding his first service game to love, but Nadal gradually tested the American's resolve with thumping ground strokes.
Earning his first break point with a blistering backhand pass, Nadal forged 3-2 ahead when Johnson sent his forehand wide.
Suddenly Nadal was displaying his normal swagger and unleashed a string of booming overhead shots while opening a one-set lead.
Johnson stubbornly held off the four-time champion at the start of the second set, but could not prevent a fired-up Nadal from breaking again for a 4-3 lead.
The third seed sensed victory was near and claimed one more break to secure his progess to the next stage.
