Djokovic and Nadal progress

Third-seeded Serbian Novak Djokovic was stretched by Fabrice Santoro in the ATP Dubai second round before beating the Frenchman 6-3 7-6.Rafael Nadal coasted to a 6-4 6-0 win over Russian qualifier Mikhail Ledovskikh.

Australian Open winner Djokovic was aggressive and looked comfortable against Santoro in the first set, but then lost his way.

Santoro broke and held a point to lead 4-1 before Djokovic broke back with a finely executed crosscourt backhand, and the Serb also had to survive two break points when down 4-3.

"I think I started losing my hair in the second set, from the tightness and nervousness," said Djokovic.

"In the second set it could go either way. I started playing less aggressive and making some unforced errors, but in the end I'm happy to get through."

Spain's Nadal, seeded second, now plays sixth seeded American Andy Roddick, who eased by Paul-Henri Mathieu of France 6-3 6-4.

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