Spanish stalwart Rafael Nadal wasted little time in securing his place in the Wimbledon fourth round by racing past Italian Lorenzo Sonego 6-1, 6-2, 6-4, demonstrating superb touches at the net to advance after two hours and four minutes.

"It was probably my best match without a doubt here at The Championships against the most difficult player I have faced yet," Nadal was quoted as saying by atptour.com. "I was able to raise my level, so I am super happy for that. I wish Lorenzo all the very best for the rest of the season," added Nadal, who is aiming for his third singles title at Wimbledon and a record-extending 23rd major.

The 36-year-old Nadal's display was a contrast to his first two matches at Wimbledon, where he struggled to find his best level in four-set victories against Francisco Cerundolo of Argentina and Ricardas Berankis of Lithuania. However, against Sonego, the world No. 4 showed his title rivals that he means business in his quest for a 23rd Grand Slam title.

"I made I think a lot of things much better than the previous days: the determination, the way that I managed to play more aggressive, going to the net plenty of times. "(I am) happy. It's (a) good victory against a great player. Very happy for that."

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