Thursday 18 May 2017 11:45, UK
Britain's Kyle Edmund was beaten by Juan Martin del Potro in the second round of the Rome Masters as Rafael Nadal continued his fine recent form.
Edmund, who had defeated Portuguese Joao Sousa in the first round, was unable to overcome the big-serving Argentinian despite a battling performance in the 7-5 6-4 defeat.
The 22-year-old produced a brave display against the world number 34, breaking back to level the opening set at 5-5 before the experienced Argentinian, US Open champion in 2009, forced a further break before serving out the first set.
Edmund's serve continued to be tested in the second set, where the Briton was involved in a long exchange with the chair umpire over a disputed line call during a tense fifth game, which Del Potro went on to win before moving 5-2 ahead.
Edmund, ranked 53 in the world, rallied to break and then held to reduce the deficit to 4-5, however it was only delaying the inevitable as Del Potro, who helped Argentina win the 2016 Davis Cup, finally converted on his third match point.
Rafael Nadal continued his recent run of victories when he benefited from countryman's Nicolas Almagro withdrawal in the first set of their contest when trailing 3-0 to the recent Madrid Masters champion.
Nadal has titles in Monte Carlo, Barcelona and Madrid already on the clay and next up he will face America's Jack Sock who needed three sets to beat Jiri Vesely, eventually coming through 6-4 3-6 7-6.
Kei Nishikori, the Japanese World No 9, overcame the veteran Spaniard David Ferrer 7-5 6-2 to book a meeting with Del Potro.
Alexander Zverev showcased his increasing maturity with his convincing victory over Serbia's Viktor Troicki in a 6-3 6-4 success and he will face Andy Murray's conqueror Fabio Fognini in the last 16.
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