TENNIS: Federer, Nadal, advance at Indian Wells

Roger Federer

Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal, Andy Murray and Stanislas Wawrinka won their opening matches Saturday in the BNP Paribas Open. Federer, the four-time champion seeded seventh, beat French qualifier Pail-Henri Mathieu. The Swiss star was coming off his 78th career title last week in Dubai. “It’s important to win,” he said.

“It’s a lot different from Dubai. You have to force a bit more, but I’m satisfied.” In a late match, the top-seeded Nadal rallied to beat Radek Stepanek 2-6, 6-4, 7-5. “He is not the right player to play against in the first round,” Nadal said. “He’s not the right player because what you want to find in the first round is rhythm and against him every point is different. He goes quick to the net.