Australian Open champion Rafael Nadal fought through three sets last Wednesday before he took game, set, and match against Italian Simon Bolelli 4-6 6-2 7-5 at the Rotterdam Open.

The world’s number one will now be facing Bulgarian junior Wimbledon US champion Grigor Dimitrov in the next round. 

“I deserved this win,” commented the Spaniard. “I had all of the chances and he didn't. I also had two match points. I picked up my game in the third set and started serving better.” 

Nadal added, “I found my rhythm, but I had a bad game in the first set before I started playing better. I'm in the second round and I expect a better result. I'm hoping to play better.”

Other winners of the day included Gilles Simon and Jo-Wilfried Tsonga. The sixth-seeded Simon ousted Germany’s Philipp Kohlschreiber in straight sets 7-5 7-6. On the other hand, Tsonga defeated unranked Jesse Huta Galung in two hours with straight sets, as well.