Rafael Nadal advanced to the fourth round of Wimbledon on Saturday evening, defeating Italian Lorenzo Sonego 6-1, 6-2, 6-4.

The Spaniard lit up Centre Court with his fierce striking and all-court style in his greatest performance of the week. After two hours and four minutes, the 36-year-old shot the ball past Sonego from all angles, showcasing precise touches at the net.

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“It was probably my best match without a doubt here at The Championships against the most difficult player I have faced yet,” Nadal stated during his on-court interview. “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.”

The performance was in stark contrast to Nadal’s opening two matches at The Championships, in which he battled to reach his best form in four-set wins over Francisco Cerundolo and Ricardas Berankis. Nevertheless, against Sonego, the World No. 4 demonstrated to his title challengers that he is serious about capturing a record-extending 23rd Grand Slam crown.

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“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,” Nadal stated. “[I am] happy. It’s [a] good victory against a great player. Very happy for that.”

Nadal landed in London, where he hopes to win a third Wimbledon title, having claimed the first two majors of the season in his career for the first time. The World No. 4, who is now 33-3 on the season, will face Dutchman Botic van de Zandschulp in a replay of their recent Roland Garros fight as he seeks to extend his unblemished 2022 Slam record.

“He’s a player that has been improving unbelievably the last year. [It] was a good challenge in the French and I think he will be more, [difficult here],” Nadal explained. “He’s a complete player with a lot of great things, and I need to keep going the way that I played today: playing aggressive and playing with the right energy. Let’s see. He’s a tough opponent, but we are in fourth round. That’s the way that it should be.” 

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In their first ATP Head2Head clash, Nadal stormed out of the gate, pushing Sonego from corner to corner with his strong forehand. The Spaniard seized the ball early from both sides to steal time away from Sonego, blasting 14 wins in the first two sets to take complete control.

Nadal continued to command in the third set, straightening out his backhand to cause Sonego additional problems. The roof was closed due to decreasing light with Nadal leading 4-2. When they returned, the Spaniard’s concentration wavered briefly, and Sonego broke back to tie the game at 4-4. However, this just served to energise Nadal, who increased his depth on return to break back immediately before holding to move to the fourth round at The All England Lawn Tennis Club for the tenth time.

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“I feel very lucky that I am still able to play at my age,” Nadal claimed. “I never thought that was going to happen 10 years ago. So just want to say thanks to all for supporting me.”

Sonego, who defeated Denis Kudla and Hugo Gaston previously this week, was seeking to make the last 16 at Wimbledon for the second time after reaching that stage in 2021.