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Rafael Nadal returns to action in Rio with all-Spanish battle against Nicolas Almagro

By Richard Damerell

Thursday 18 February 2016 21:14, UK

Rafael Nadal of Spain looks focused during a practice session ahead of the 2016 Australian Open at Melbourne Park
Image: Rafa Nadal is trying to win his first ATP title in 2016

Rafael Nadal resumes his challenge for the Rio Open title with a second round clash against fellow Spaniard Nicolas Almagro.

The world No 5 started the clay court tournament with a 6-1 6-4 win over another compatriot Pablo Carreno Busta and will next face Almagro, live on Sky Sports.

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Rafael Nadal advances to the second round of the Rio Open with victory over Pablo Carreno Busta in severe weather conditions in Brazil

Nadal has won all but one of their previous 14 meetings, with Almagro's sole victory coming in the quarter-finals of the Barcelona Open in 2014. 

But Almagro has made a promising start to this year's campaign and was a beaten finalist at the recent Argentina Open, losing to Dominic Thiem.

RIO DE JANEIRO, BRAZIL - FEBRUARY 16: David Ferrer of Spain returns a shot to Nicolas Jarry of Chile
Image: David Ferrer is yet to suffer a defeat against Albert Ramos-Vinolas

Second seed David Ferrer is also involved in an all-Spanish battle against Albert Ramos-Vinolas. 

Ferrer has won all five of his past matches against Ramos-Vinolas, including two victories last year.

Alexandr Dolgopolov takes to the court against Inigo Cervantes, while qualifier Thiago Monteiro can follow-up his shock win over Jo-Wilfried Tsonga when he plays Pablo Cuevas.

Also See:

Watch live action from the Rio Open, starting at 4.15pm on Sky Sports 3 Or watch from £6.99 without a contract, on NOW TV.

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