NOVAK Djokovic and Rafael Nadal both extended their win streaks with opening victories at the ATP-WTA Madrid Masters overnight as Roger Federer waited for his chance to join them in the third round.
Djokovic, who beat South Africa's Kevin Anderson 6-3 6-4, extended his run of 2011 success to 28 consecutive matches, putting the Serb within striking distance of the record for the all-time best season start in tennis.
The second seed now has a chance to draw level with Ivan Lendl, who went 29 matches without defeat at the start of the 1986 season.
Nadal won a 35th consecutive match on the surface, efficiently dispatching former Australian Open finalist Marcos Baghdatis 6-1 6-3 in just under 90 minutes. Nadal has not lost on clay since 2009 in the French Open fourth round to Robin Soderling.
The top-seeded title holder next faces a high-voltage third-round showdown with Argentine Juan Del Potro, who thrashed Marin Cilic 6-3 6-0 after complaining of hip pain a day earlier.
Third seed Federer was opening against Spaniard Feliciano Lopez later having won all seven of their previous encounters.
Djokovic, the world No.2, says he is only interested in replacing Nadal atop the ATP rankings.
"It's a great honour and flattering to be part of the elite, but it's not my priority,'' said Djokovic.
"I'm only taking it one match at a time and just hoping I can keep winning.''
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