Fernando advanced to the third round of the Mutua Madrilena Madrid Open with a 7-65, 6-3 win over Ivo Karlovic, breaking a 3-match losing streak against the tall Croat. Fernando saved both break points he faced in the first set and won the tiebreak, then eased into the second set comfortably, closing it out in just under an hour and 40 minutes.

“In the first set there were some games where I had good opportunities. But almost every time I had chances to win one, or to break him, he managed to hit good first serves that made things more difficult. But I knew the match would be that way, and I was mentally prepared for it. Of course the tie-break in the first set boosted my confidence and allowed me to play more calmly in the second set, and in the end to break him.

“The important thing is that I managed to get past him, and I’m happy to move on to the next round. It’s always special to play in Madrid, in my city and with all the people. I love playing in Spain, but being from Madrid it’s even better to be here and have all the people behind me.”

Fernando plays Jurgen Melzer for a spot in the quarterfinals and a chance to defend last year’s points. Also, he and Feli withdrew from their doubles match due to low back pain for Feli, hopefully just a precautionary step.