Shanghai Masters: Nadal claims easy victory over Donaldson, Federer overcomes Schwartzman

Rafael Nadal of Spain in action against Jared Donaldson of the US at 2017 ATP Shanghai Rolex Masters in Shanghai, Oct 11, 2017. [Photo/Agencies]

SHANGHAI - The top two seeds Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer both kicked off their Shanghai Rolex Masters with straight-set wins here in the Super Wednesday action, beating Jared Donaldson and Diego Schwartzman respectively to reach the last 16 of the season's penultimate ATP World Tour Masters 1000 tournament.

No 1 seed Nadal needed only 54 minutes to knock out Jared Donaldson of the United States 6-2, 6-1 at the central court.

"It was a very quick match in all aspects. I think Jared started playing very well at the beginning, serving big, and then hitting very strong from the baseline," Nadal said after the match.

"Of course I started trying to play a little bit more safe, you know, without looking for big shots. Always the first match, as I say before, is difficult and the transition is not easy...I'm happy with everything. For me it was difficult to imagine a better start. But just the beginning, tomorrow is another tough match." the 31-year-old Spaniard continued.

Nadal, who is looking forward to his maiden title in Shanghai, will face Italian player Fabio Fognini in the next round.