LONDON (AP) — Three days after winning the French Open for a sixth time, Rafael Nadal began his preparations for Wimbledon with a 6-4, 6-4 win over Australian qualifier Matthew Ebden in his opening match at Queen’s Club on Wednesday.
The top-seeded Spaniard broke in the first game of each set against the big-serving Ebden, who was playing only his 11th match at this level.
The 23-year-old Australian didn’t appear overawed by the occasion and had a point to break back at 3-2 in the second set, but Nadal weathered the threat.
Nadal will face Radek Stepanek in the third round.
Andy Murray, the No. 2 seed, was another second-round winner, beating Xavier Malisse 6-3, 5-7, 6-3.
