Intro:

Andy Murray, Rafael Nadal and Kei Nishikori reach the third round of the Italian Open on Wednesday (13th May).

Script:

Andy Murray took to the court for round two of the Italian Open in Rome against Jeremy Chardy looking to increase his winning run on clay.

And this one was simple for Murray, as he brushed aside his French opponent in striaght sets.

Murray notched up his sixth victory in seven meetings with Chardy winning 6-4, 6-3 for a place in the third round.

Murray's best performance in Rome came four years ago, when he lost to Novak Djokovic in the semi-finals.

He will now face either No. 13 seed Jo-Wilfried Tsonga or David Goffin.

Putting the disappointment of his defeat in Madrid behind him, Rafael Nadal enjoyed a strong start to his quest for an eighth Italian Open title.

The Spaniard has slipped to seventh in the world rankings, but made light work of Marsel Ilhan.

Nadal fended off two break points and won 92 percent of his first serve points as he cruised to a 6-2, 6-0 victory.

Elsewhere Kei Nishikori survived a tough test against Jiri Vesely, edging out the Czech 7-6, 7-5.

The fifth-seeded Japanese was forced to save set points in the first set, but took his chances well when they eventually came.

He converted three of his eight break points to eventually hold off a sustained challenge from the 21 year old Vesely, to reach the next round.