Rafael Nadal defeated Ruben Bemelmans 6-1, 6-4 to reach the PTT Thailand Open quarter-finals.
Nadal dropped just eight points on serve and converted three of five break point opportunities.
"It's never easy in a first match," said Nadal. "I had a few days rest after the US Open but I think I am playing well. I'm happy with my match. Bemelmans played well during some moments and the second set for sure was not easy. It's important to start with a win."
Nadal, who met Thai Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva after the match, said, "It was an honour for me to meet the Prime Minister and I would just like to thank him for coming to watch the match."
Nadal will next meet Mikhail Kukushkin, who scored a 6-4, 5-7, 6-3 win over Olivier Rochus.
Source ATP
Photo by Victor Fraile/Getty Images
