Nadal Extends Clay Streak Against Last to Beat Him

Rafael Nadal, the No. 2 player in the world, dominates the match against Igor Andreev, facing only two break points and saving both. (Stuart Franklin - Getty Images)

Rafael Nadal cruised past the last man to beat him on clay, downing Igor Andreev, 6-4, 6-1, yesterday at the Hamburg Masters for his 79th straight win on the surface.

Top-ranked Roger Federer also advanced to the quarterfinals with a 6-2, 6-3 win over Juan Carlos Ferrero.

Nadal is unbeaten on clay since he lost to Andreev in the quarterfinals of the Valencia Open on April 8, 2005. His streak includes 13 tournament titles.

"It was a long time ago. It doesn't matter to me," Nadal said. "What matters is that he is a very difficult player on clay, so it's good to have a win against him."

The No. 2 player in the world dominated the match, facing only two break points and saving both.

"I am happy with my game. The wind was a problem, it's difficult to play winners in such conditions," Nadal said. "But the court was a little faster than yesterday and it was better for me. I felt very comfortable on the court throughout the match." . . .

Serena Williams's clay-court game is rounding into shape ahead of the French Open.

Williams appeared frustrated at times but eventually overpowered Shahar Peer of Israel, 6-3, 6-3, to reach the quarterfinals of the Italian Open in Rome.

"I feel like everything is coming together," said Williams, seeded eighth.

She will face 14th-seeded Patty Schnyder, who beat Samantha Stosur, 6-4, 6-4.

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