Murray and Federer through in Madrid

By Iain Rogers

MADRID (Reuters) - Roger Federer began his latest bid for a first title of the year with a confident 6-1 7-5 win over Robin Soderling Tuesday, while Andy Murray came through a much stiffer test against Italian Simone Bolelli 7-6 6-4.

World number two Federer has now won all nine of his matches against Soderling and his second round victory at the Madrid Open was never in real doubt.

He got off to a great start on the clay in the Magic Box stadium when he raced through the first set in 20 minutes.

The Swede put up a better fight in the second set, breaking Federer in the sixth game, but the Swiss broke back immediately and again for a 6-5 lead before wrapping up victory with a second-serve ace on his first match point.

The 13-times grand slam champion next plays either American James Blake or Croat Ivo Karlovic.

"I got off to a good start, which helps and takes away a bit of pressure," Federer said at a news conference.

"It helps to get into the match, especially against a good server like Robin. I thought I played well."

Murray, newly installed as world number three, is seeking a first ATP title on clay to add to the three he has won on hard courts this season.