The New Nation - Internet Edition

AP, Paris

Rafael Nadal, Roger Federer and defending champion David Nalbandian reached the third round of the Paris Masters on Wednesday without dropping a set.Nadal topped Florent Serra of France 6-2, 6-4, and eighth-seeded Nalbandian downed Nicolas Kiefer of Germany 7-6 (5), 6-3.

Federer had the most trouble, saving two set points in the tiebreaker to beat Robin Soderling 6-4, 7-6 (7).

"He's got a big serve, really suits the indoors well," Federer said. "I'm happy to be through, kind of a relief for me. I was surprised he didn't return a bit better, but I think I've been really serving well lately, basically since the U.S. Open."

Soderling won the Lyon Grand Prix on Sunday but lost for the eighth straight time to the Swiss star.

The Swede had set point at 6-5 on serve but hit a forehand wide. He got another chance after the next point but didn't take it again and his long forehand gave Federer match point.

Federer is enjoying the end to a tough season, getting a win at the Swiss Indoors in Basel last week to add to an Olympic gold medal in doubles and the U.S. Open title for his 13th major.

"I'm happy the way things have gone this season after kind of a rough start and a rough Wimbledon final," said Federer, who lost that final to Nadal. "So I've really been able to turn around, you know, get some emotional wins with the Olympic gold and Basel again and then the U.S. Open."