Rafael Nadal continued his solid display of form in Rome by defeating Dusan Lajovic in straight sets 6-1 6-3. The Spaniard is looking sharp on clay ahead of the French Open which is just around the corner. After the match Nadal said his level of tennis is positive but there is still room for improvement:

"I played at I think a very positive level of tennis. Of course it needs to keep improving. I need to keep working on a couple of things that are not coming automatically. But I can't ask for more."[It was] another great evening for me against another good opponent. Can't complain at all. Much better [than] what I expected."

Despite Nadla saying there is room for improvement, his domination on clay looked as good as it ever was. He only lost 6 games in the first two matches against very good opponents. He said the beginning of today's match was super tough despite the result showing 6-1:

"The first set it was 6-1, but a super tough beginning of the match. A lot of good points. [I'm] very happy, it's an important victory for me after such a long time. To start the tournament with these two victories is great news."

Nadal is going to face Schwartzman next who came back to defeat Hubert Hurkacz in just over 2 hours. Nadal leads the Argentinian 9-0 with 7 victories coming in straight sets. About that match Nadal said:

"[It] always has been very tough and tricky matches against him. I know I have to play very well if I want to have chances and that's what I'm going to try [to do]."

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