Nadal, who was given a first round bye, recovered from losing an opening tie-break to defeat his opponent 6-7 6-2 6-2, setting-up a fourth round showdown with compatriot David Ferrer.

CNN: Nadal scrapes past Nalbandian in Miami

The Australian won their first-round encounter 4-6 7-5 6-2 to set up a meeting with Russian veteran Yevgeny Kafelnikov in round two.

BBC: Hewitt back from the brink

Elsewhere, Juan Martin Del Potro eased past Colombia's Alejandro Falla 6-2 6-2 to set up a third round clash with France's Michael Llodra.

CNN: Halloween horror for 'Darth' Djokovic