KEY POINTS:
Rafael Nadal made a successful debut in Olympic singles, overcoming numerous missed chances by sweeping the final four games to beat Potito Starace of Italy 6-2, 3-6, 6-2.
Top-seeded Roger Federer had an easier time. He began a bid for his first Olympic medal by beating Dmitry Tursunov 6-4, 6-2, then received congratulations from one of the spectators, US basketball star LeBron James.
Venus and Serena Williams also advanced to the second round, as did Novak Djokovic, the biggest threat to prevent a Nadal-Federer final.
Nadal said: "I am very happy to be here. Just trying to enjoy 100 per cent the experience, and later try my best on court."
- AGENCIES
