[attach id=240952 size="medium"]Roger Federer tosses his towel to a ball boy during the match against Denis Istomin.[/attach]

While Roger Federer and Rafa Nadal won their opening matches in straight sets on Saturday, world number four David Ferrer became the first top seed to make an early exit from the BNP Paribas Open.

Spaniard Ferrer, a winner of two ATP titles this year who is known for his speed across the court, was ousted 3-6 6-4 6-3 by big-serving South African Kevin Anderson in the second round at the Indian Wells Tennis Garden.

Four-times champion Federer, however, wasted little time in pounding Uzbekistan’s Denis Istomin 6-2 6-3 with a ruthless display of seemingly effortless movement and razor sharp shot-making.

In a heavily anticipated evening encounter, Spaniard Nadal overcame early resistance from American Ryan Harrison to win 7-6 6-2 in his first match on a hardcourt surface in 346 days, following a left knee injury.

Nadal, a twice former champion at Indian Wells, did not appear to be in any discomfort after being sidelined for seven months last year and he dominated the second set before wrapping up victory in just over an hour and a half.

“I am satisfied to be in the next round,” said the Spanish left-hander who has enjoyed a successful tournament run on clay in recent weeks, winning two ATP titles after reaching three finals.

“That’s the most important thing.

“Two weeks ago, I didn’t really know if I would be playing here, so I am happy to be here. I feel fine. My physical performance needs to improve. My movements need to improve.”

Federer, who beat American John Isner 7-6 6-3 in last year’s final at Indian Wells, was in peerless form, blending a series of crunching groundstrokes with his typically dominant net play to break Isto-min’s serve twice in each set.

“It’s nice to be back as defending champion and to start so strong today,” Swiss maestro Federer said after sealing his win in just under an hour on his second match point.

“I came out and played exceptionally well so I am happy. It felt good from the start and I was able to maintain that level of play.

“I never thought he got into the match, you know, at all. That gives you obviously even more confidence. And then with best-of-three sets, we know things are over quickly.”

Federer will next play Croatian Ivan Dodig, who eased past Frenchman Julien Benneteau 6-4 6-2.

Earlier, fourth-seeded Ferrer was overpowered by the towering Anderson in the final set as the South African booked his place in the third round after a contest lasting just under two hours.

Serving for the match in dazzling afternoon sunshine, Anderson earned his first win against the Spaniard in two career meetings when Ferrer dumped a backhand service return into the net.

The 2.03 metre South African, ranked 37th, clinched both fists in jubilant celebration before walking to the net to shake hands with his opponent.

“That was fantastic,” smiled Anderson, who had surgery on his right elbow in late January.

“Beating a top-five player is always a great feeling, especially against somebody like David.”

Azarenka advances

Australian Open champion and top seed Victoria Azarenka recovered from a sluggish start to beat Daniela Hantuchova 6-4 6-1 in the second round of the BNP Paribas Open.

Trailing 1-4 in the opening set, the Belarusian then gave herself a wake-up call and seized control by winning 11 of the next 12 games to improve her record this season to 15-0.

Azarenka clinched the first set with an ace, then broke Hantuchova for a sixth time in the seventh game of the second on her way to victory.