TENNIS
Nadal: Almagro retirement sends Rafa through in Rome
A left knee injury for Nicolás Almagro ended his Italian Open second-round match against fellow Spaniard Rafa Nadal prematurely.
Rafa Nadal was on court for less than 25 minutes on Wednesday before advancing to the third round of the Italian Open due to the retirement of Nicolás Almagro.
Nadal secured an early break in his opening match in the competition before Almagro retired on serve in game four of the first set.
The 14-time major winner, who is in sensational form having secured ATP Masters 1000 titles in Monte Carlo and Madrid either side of victory in Barcelona, was consequently handed his 50th victory in Rome.
Almagro forced out with apparent knee problem
Almagro appeared to sustain a left knee injury during the early exchanges and was unable to continue.
Spotting his opponent struggling, Nadal ventured to the other side of the court to assist his fellow Spaniard to the sidelines.
Almagro received medical attention before getting to his feet to shake hands with the world number four and signal a premature end to the match.