Nadal, Wawrinka start with wins

Eight-time champion Rafael Nadal and holder Stan Wawrinka both expressed quiet relief at getting back to clay after opening wins on Wednesday at the Monte Carlo Masters.

For third seed Nadal, his 6-2, 6-1 second-round victory against French wild card Lucas Pouille came as a huge relief after a poor season and just one small South American trophy to hand since winning a ninth Roland Garros title last May.

"I'm glad to be back here and playing on clay," said the troubled Spaniard who improved his record at the seaside Country Club to 51 wins and just three losses as he moved into the third round.

Nadal never faced a break point while breaking his wild card opponent three times.

Nadal spent 68 minutes in proving that he will not roll over on his preferred surface.