London — Rafael Nadal overcame another mid-match lapse to defeat Lithuania's Ricardas Berankis in four sets and reach the Wimbledon third round for the 11th time on Thursday.
Two-time champion Nadal triumphed 6-4, 6-4, 4-6, 6-3 to see off his 106th-ranked opponent.
The Spaniard, who is bidding to add the Wimbledon title to his Australian and French Open victories, will tackle Italy's Lorenzo Sonego for a place in the last 16.
"Every day is a challenge," said Nadal, who is playing Wimbledon for the first time since making the semi-finals in 2019.
"Every day is a chance to improve and I need to improve.
"The fourth set was a better level. I was able to be more aggressive with my forehand. It's important to accept that things are not perfect. I need to keep working."
The 36-year-old was in control against Berankis until he dropped the third set, just as he did in his opener against Francisco Cerundolo.
However, he steadied the ship, racing into a 3-0 lead in the fourth set before play was held up for the Centre Court roof to close.
When the match resumed, he swept to victory, finishing with a flourish by hitting his 13th ace.
AFP