Nadal within grasp of milestone

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Rafael Nadal moved within two more wins of retaining the year-end No 1 ranking when he struggled past Ernests Gulbis 7-5, 3-6, 6-3 to reach the third round of the Madrid Mastersyesterday.

Next up for Nadal, champion in Spain in 2005, will be 15th-ranked Richard Gasquet after the Frenchman overcame 23 aces by American Mardy Fish to win 6-7 (3), 6-4, 6-3.

“I’m probably playing with less pressure than usual so whatever happens, things are good,” said Nadal, who has a slight nag in his right leg despite three weeks of rest.

Nadal received a four-set test from Gulbis en route to the Wimbledon title, and yesterday’s match was similarly troubling for the Spaniard. But Gulbis often followed a crisp winner with an unforced error.
Nadal, who has never been a fan of the Spanish capital’s high altitude and the extra speed it brings to the hard court, had trouble keeping up with the Latvian as he stuck his shots down the line to break for 2-0 in the second.

A ragged Nadal eventually netted to force a deciding set in the mainly baseline contest.

“He played very well in the second set but all the match was very tough because he played very aggressive,” Nadal said.