Nadal, Murray Reach Second Round at Wimbledon

By Erik Gudris

Photo Credit: Getty Images

(June 26th, 2012) Two-time Wimbledon champion Rafael Nadal got a first set scare but eventually pulled out a routine straight sets victory in his opening round match on Centre Court today.

Taking on Brazil's Thomaz Bellucci, a slow start from the Spaniard coupled with fine hitting by Bellucci gave the Brazilian an early 4-0 lead. But Nadal rallied to level things at 4-all and eventually forced a tiebreak that he won 7-0.

From there, Nadal found his rhythm and with the help of 35 winners and just 18 unforced errors, Nadal cruised to a 7-6(0), 6-2, 6-3 victory.

"I think today I didn’t play my best match. I think especially at the first set I played little bit too nervous, little bit not knowing exactly what to do. My movements were a little bit in defensive way, not in aggressive way," said Nadal afterwards. "But I was able to keep winning the first set. That’s the important thing and the good news. Then I started to play better. "

No. 4 seed Andy Murray was in total control of his opening match against former top 5 player Nikolay Davydenko. Murray hit 24 winners and only 6 unforced errors to seal a 6-1, 6-1, 6-4 win in just under 90 minutes.

Several Americans did what John Isner could not yesterday as they reached the second round. No. 10 seed Mardy Fish, playing in his first match since dealing with a health scare, needed only three sets to take out Spain's Ruben Ramirez Hildalgo 7-6 (3), 7-5, 7-6 (1). Qualifier Brian Baker continued his comeback to the pro tour with a 7-6 (2), 6-4, 6-0 win over Rui Machado.

Fish, did not speak with with press afterwards due to him not feeling well but he is expected to play his next match later in the week.

Rain suspended play toward the end of the evening that kept some matches in limbo until tomorrow. Andy Roddick secured an early break in the second set and was leading 7-6 (1), 4-2 over UK's Jaime Baker while Milos Raonic was ahead 6-4, 6-4, 5-4 over Santiago Giraldo.

In other results, No. 5 seed Jo-Wilfried Tsonga defeated 2002 champion Lleyton Hewitt in straight sets 6-3, 6-4, 6-4 while David Goffin upset No. 20 seed Bernard Tomic 3-6, 6-3, 6-4, 6-4.

Tomorrow's schedule will see No. 3 seed Roger Federer lead off Centre Court as he takes on Italy's Fabio Fognini while No. 1 seed Novak Djokovic will meet American Ryan Harrison seeking his first ever win over a top 5 player. Latvia's Ernests Gulbis, fresh off upsetting Tomas Berdych, will battle against Jerzy Janowicz of Poland. Finally, France's Nicolas Mahut who finished his first round match today that was suspended by darkness last night will take on Alejandro Falla who upset John Isner.