SECOND seed Rafael Nadal made predictably swift progress at Wimbledon yesterday, sweeping aside the challenge of Austrian veteran Werner Eschauer.

IT was a day to forget for the United States at the French Open yesterday, with their nine-strong contingent of men’s singles players making history for the wrong reasons.

Rain seems to be the only factor capable of stalling Roger Federer as the Swiss star looks on the verge of making short work of Michael Russell in the first round of the French Open at Roland Garros.

Roger Federer praised Guillermo Canas after the Argentinian defeated the world number one for the second time in as many weeks in the fourth round of the Sony Ericsson Open.

Britain’s Alex Bogdanovic advanced to the final qualifying round of the Pacific Life Open in Indian Wells with a 6-3 6-4 win over Amer Delic.

Russia’s Marat Safin battled back to overcome Dudi Sela in five sets to set up a mouth-watering third-round clash with American Andy Roddick at the Australian Open.

Defending champion Roger Federer felt the success of his serve had contributed significantly in his straight sets victory over Swedish veteran Jonas Bjorkman at the Australian Open.

Andre Agassi played down talk of his imminent retirement after booking his place in the third round of the US Open at Flushing Meadow.