Rafael Nadal struggles but beats Ilya Ivashka at Barcelona Open

World no. 3 Rafael Nadal made a winning start at one of his favorite tournaments, beating Ilya Ivashka 3-6, 6-2, 6-4 in two hours and 19 minutes to advance into the last 16 at Barcelona Open.

Rafa served at only 49% in the opening set, which caused him only troubles, losing almost half of the points behind the initial shot and suffering two breaks. Ivashka saved the only break point he faced to grab the set in style and move closer to a sensational victory. Nadal sprayed a backhand error in the opening game to suffer a break, wasting his chance in the next one to push the rival 2-0 up.

Four of the following five games went to deuce, but there were no break chances at the offer, as they both played well behind the initial shot in the decisive moments. Serving at 3-5, Nadal lost serve once again after a shaky backhand down the line, handing the set to his opponent and having to work much harder if he wanted to avoid another early exit after Monte Carlo. The Spaniard did precisely that, serving well in all four games and delivering breaks in games one and five for a 4-1 advantage.

Serving at 5-2, Rafa held at love to grab the set and force a decider, where he was the favorite now. Ivashka stayed in touch with the 20-time Major champion in the opening six games before Rafa seized a decisive break at love at 3-3 that pushed him forward. Serving at 3-5, Ilya saved a match point to bring the game home and prolong the encounter before Rafa sealed the deal a few minutes later to advance into the third round.