Nadal's trail to a drought-breaker easier

DOHA: Rafael Nadal, who played mock tennis with Roger Federer on a suspended "magic" carpet, was on Monday given a slightly easier path to the final of the opening tournament of what could be a transformative season.

Though Spain's Australian Open champion looked relaxed and happy while performing with his great rival on Sunday, he has not won a tournament for nearly nine months since struggling with injuries.

However, Nadal starts the 2010 ATP World Tour with a comfortable-looking draw in the Qatar Open against Simone Bolelli, the world No 93 from Italy - and with his projected semifinal opponent suddenly removed.