Novak Djokovic suffered another disappointing defeat on his road to recovery from an elbow injury ©Getty Images

Novak Djokovic suffered another disappointing defeat on his road to recovery from an elbow injury as defending champion Rafael Nadal eased into the third round of the Mutua Madrid Open.

Serbian Djokovic, a 12-time Grand Slam winner, was beaten in three sets by Britain's Kyle Edmund on the red clay of the Caja Mágica.

The 30-year-old, who looked to have returned to form in an impressive win over Japan's Kei Nishikori in the opening round, lost 6-3, 2-6, 6-3 to the Briton.

Edmund will move into the world's top 20 for the first time in his career following the surprise result.

David Goffin awaits for Edmund in the next round after the Belgian overcame Dutchman Robin Haase 7-5, 6-3.

Clay specialist Nadal, bidding for a sixth title in the Spanish city, was in typically-ruthless form as he dispatched Frenchman Gaël Monfils in straight sets.

Rafael Nadal maintained his pursuit of a sixth Madrid Open title by winning his opening encounter ©Getty Images
Rafael Nadal maintained his pursuit of a sixth Madrid Open title by winning his opening encounter ©Getty Images

The 16-time Grand Slam champion maintained his perfect record on his preferred surface so far this season with a comfortable 6-3, 6-1 success.

In the women's singles, world number one and top seed Simona Halep of Romania eased into the quarter-finals as she beat Kristýna Plíšková of the Czech Republic 6-1, 6-4.

Having beaten one of the two Plíšková sisters, Halep will now have to get past sixth seed Karolína in the last eight.

Karolína Plíšková fared better than her sister as she proved too strong for US Open champion Sloane Stephens with a 6-2, 6-3 triumph.

The event in Madrid continues tomorrow.