MIAMI, Florida- Fernando Verdasco has set up an all-Spanish third-round clash with Rafael Nadal with a win over Australia’s James Duckworth at the Miami Open.
The 31-year-old Verdasco beat the world No.97 and qualifier Duckworth 4-6 6-2 6-1 on Saturday (Sunday AEDT).
Earlier, Frenchman Jo-Wilfried Tsonga celebrated his return to tennis after a lingering arm injury by beating Tim Smyczek to reach the third round.
Tsonga, who hadn’t played since France’s Davis Cup tie against Switzerland in November, defeated the American 6-4 3-6 6-3 in a match postponed by the rain that washed out Friday’s night session at Crandon Park.
“I didn’t expect to play my best tennis today ever, but I’m happy the way I managed my match,” said the Frenchman, ranked 13th in the world.
Japan’s fourth seed Kei Nishikori defeated Russian Mikhail Youzhny 6-2 6-1 while France’s Gilles Simon, the 12th seed, joined compatriots Tsonga and Gael Monfils in the third round, beating Kazakh Mikhail Kukushkin 6-3 6-7 (5-7) 6-0.
Adrian Mannarino earned another French win as he defeated Albert
Ramos-Vinolas of Spain 6-4 3-6 6-2.
