Tennis: Nadal survives tough test, Hewitt breezes through

NEW YORK - Second seed Rafael Nadal came through a tough test of his US Open credentials today as he beat Peru's Luis Horna 6-4 4-6 6-4 6-2 to reach the third round.

Lleyton Hewitt breezed into the third round with a straight-sets victory over lowly-ranked Czech Jan Hernych.

Spaniard Nadal, who has never been beyond the third round at Flushing Meadows, coped well with an inspired Horna before clinching victory in two hours 43 minutes.

"It was a very tough match," Nadal said.

"Luis was playing very well with his forehand and serve so I am very happy with this victory."

Nadal looked set for an easy victory when he led by a set and a break but world number 61 Horna produced some outstanding tennis to break back in the sixth game and again in the 10th to level the match.

15th seed Hewitt was untroubled in notching a 6-4 6-2 6-2 win in just one hour and 43 minutes.

The French Open champion saved two break points when serving for the third set and then eased through the fourth to set up a clash with Frenchman Gael Monfils or Wesley Moodie of South Africa.

- REUTERS