Early Almagro retirement sends Nadal through in Rome

Rafael Nadal was on court for less than 25 minutes before advancing to the third round of the Internazionali BNL d'Italia due to the retirement of Nicolas 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 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.