Rafael Nadal destroys US Open semi-finalist Pablo Carreno Busta at Rome Masters

ByDan Quarrell

Updated 16/09/2020 at 22:08 GMT

Rafael Nadal thrashed fellow Spaniard Pablo Carreno Busta 6-1 6-1 in their Rome Masters second-round clash. The world number two, who missed the US Open, is fully focused on Roland Garros with Rome being the high-profile warm-up event.

Rafael Nadal was at his belligerent best as he swatted aside Pablo Carreno Busta 6-1 6-1 in a one-sided clash at the Rome Masters.

Carreno Busta, who reached the semi-finals at the US Open and fell short in agonising fashion to Alexander Zverev in five sets, looked lethargic and unable to compete.

Nadal was simply too good and his intensity too high for his fellow Spaniard as he continued his Roland Garros preparations with a convincing win on the red clay of Rome.

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Highlights: Nadal thrashes Carreno Busta in Rome

The 34-year-old, who is bidding for a remarkable 13th title in Paris, looked considerably fresher than his compatriot as he won in just one hour and 13 minutes.

"It's good to be back on the Tour but obviously the feeling is not the best playing without crowds," Nadal said.

"At least there's one positive thing, the sport is back. I played a good match, maybe he was a little bit tired from New York (where) he played an amazing tournament.

"It's a perfect start for me, I played solid, some good shots with the forehand and backhand."

Nadal is seeded number two for the traditional warm-up event for Roland Garros behind world number one Novak Djokovic, who also cruised through after shaking off the crushing disappointment of being disqualified in New York.

Highlights: Djokovic wins first match after US Open DQ in Rome

The Spaniard will next take on either Milos Raonic or Dusan Lajovic of Serbia in the third round, having received a bye through what would have been his opening match.

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