Rafael Nadal laboured on centre court to a five-set win at Wimbledon for the fifth time in his career, 5-7, 6-2, 3-6, 6-0, 6-3 over dangerous Dutchman Robin Haase.
The Spaniard who won the 2008 title followed top seed Roger Federer, who went the match distance in a first round escape.
Nadal needed to maintain focus against the number 151 Hasse, who missed ten months in 2009 after knee surgery but is tipped as a fresh threat in the game. Nadal won despite 27 aces from his opponent and improved to 35-8 on grass.
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“I’m fine, I’m in third round, I passed a good test today,” said Nadal. “Before the match I knew he would be dangerous. I played a good match. “I had to be mentally strong, playing him is a dangerous player.
I’m very happy to win as I was close to losing.”