World number one and defending champion Rafael Nadal held off determined Radek Stepanek 2-6, 6-4, 7-5 on Saturday to reach the third round of the Indian Wells ATP Masters.
But Stepanek immediately broke back, and Nadal had to save three break points in the sixth game to stay on terms before finally gaining the decisive break in the 11th game and serving out the victory after an hour and 24 minutes.
Radek Stepanek, a former top-10 player now ranked 50th, fired 12 aces in the match, while Nadal overcame eight double faults with just two aces.
Nadal next faces Ukrainian Alexandr Dolgopolov, a 7-6 (7/3), 6-4 winner over American Tim Smyczek.
Rafael Nadal battles into Indian Wells third round
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