Rafael Nadal beats David Nalbandian to advance in Miami

Rafael Nadal battled back from a set down to beat David Nalbandian 6-7 (8-10) 6-2 6-2 in the third round of the Sony Ericsson Open in Miami.

Fourth seed Nadal wasted a set point in the tie-breaker as Nalbandian won the next three points to claim the lead.

However, Nadal found his form to easily take the next two sets and will next face compatriot David Ferrer who beat Croatian Ivo Karlovic 7-6 (7/5), 6-3.

“I’m pleased with how I’m doing in this American hardcourt season,” said Nadal.

“Every match right now is really important for me, and every victory gives me confidence,” the world number four added.

Argentine Nalbandian is just eight matches into his comeback following a hip operation early last year and a recovery setback in the form of an abdominal strain in January.

“I’m very happy to see him back after an important surgery,” said Nadal. “He’s a close friend of mine and he’s a talent.

“He can make very difficult things very easy. When he’s playing at his best level he makes you feel like you are nothing in the middle of the court.”

Sixth seed Andy Roddick trounced Sergiy Stakhovsky of Ukraine 6-2 6-1 in just 55 minutes.

“I felt good,” said Roddick. “It’s rare that you kind of walk off thinking everything kind of went the way that you wanted it to.”

Awaiting Roddick is Germany’s Benjamin Becker, a 1-6 6-4 7-6 (7-4) winner over 18th seed Tommy Robredo.

Eighth seed Jo-Wilfried Tsonga of France won the day’s late game, beating Germany’s Philipp Kohlschreiber 6-2 7-5.

He will face former world number one and 12th seed Juan Carlos Ferrero, who beat giant American John Isner 6-2 3-6 6-3.

Nicolas Almagro, also of Spain, defeated Frenchman Jeremy Chardy 6-2 6-7 (11-9) 6-3, while Brazilian 27th seed Thomaz Bellucci defeated Novak Djokovic’s second round conqueror Olivier Rochus, of Belgium, 6-3 6-4.

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