We make our way to the red clay in Rome for the Italian Open where world number one Novak Djokovic was taking on French qualifier Stephane Robert in the second round. The Serb is the two-time defending champion at this event and is chasing his fourth title of the year as he prepares for the only grand slam he has never won, the French Open, which begins in ten days.

That's Robert serving and down 6-5 in the first set. The 35 year old qualifier provides an unexpected challenge to the top seed who takes this point with a nice drop shot and later wins the frame 7-5.

The second set would be even closer as Robert broke Djoker and is now leading 4-3. But Novak has double break point and he gets it when Robert hits the net, prompting a big scream from the Serbinator.

We go to match point and Robert is going to send this backhand long. Another big roar from Nole who clearly had to work hard for the win.

Murray eliminates Kukushkin 6-3, 6-3

Andy Murray in the far court returning against Kazakh qualifier Mikhail Kukushkin, who causes some problems for the second seed, but the Scot smacks a winner here for a break and later wins the first set 6-3.

And Murray would keep it going in the second set, thanks largely to his serve, as he takes this one with a short volley to set up match point.

The Scot is going to get some help as he clips the net and then Kukushkin hits it, and that wraps up a straight sets win for Murray.

Nadal eases past Kohlschreiber 6-3, 6-3

Rafael Nadal in the near court also powers his way into the third round. The seven-time Rome champion would not have too much trouble against Philipp Kohlschreiber who can't get the backhand to go. Rafa takes the opening set 6-3.

The German is now facing double break point in the second, Nadal cranks a backhand to the line and Kohlschreiber goes crosscourt, but can't get to the return.

To match point after Nadal won 71 percent of his serves and looks to break the German again to close it out. Nadal with the slicve and Kohlschreiber loses control. Next up for Rafa is Nick Kyrgios.

Federer advances third round

This would be Alexander Zverev serving to Roger Federer down 5-2 in the first as the Swiss Maestro hits a fine return winner and later wins the frame 6-3.

The 19-year-old Zverev is considered a potential future Grand Slam champion, but there's not much he can do about shots like this.

Federer is looking for his first title here in Rome and he's still on course following a straight sets win to reach the third round.