Melbourne: World No.3 Rafael Nadal today played superbly to make his way into the fourth round of the Australian Open tennis tournament.

Nadal, the third seed and 2009 champion, lost just 25 points in the first two sets of his 6-1, 6-0, 7-5 victory over Sela.

Having struggled during his five-set win over Tim Smyczek Wednesday, Nadal converted seven of his 18 break point opportunities to secure victory in two hours and four minutes.

“I was happy the way I was physically on court tonight,” said Nadal, who underwent appendix surgery in early November last year.

“Obviously, happy with the way I played the first two sets. Then in the third, I made more mistakes. It’s normal to play every day with a little bit more ups and downs when you are out for a while.”

Nadal expressed satisfaction at his service game and said e grew in confidence as the match progressed.

“My serve worked well on the break points. I had one lucky break. the net-cord with my forehand. But the rest of the points I played with determination, going to the net, having some good serves.

In the last game, I am happy the way that I lost the first match point trying to go for the winner with my forehand. I played with the right determination in the right moments. That gives me confidence and a way of how to play for the future,” he said.