Rafael Nadal of Spain returns the ball during the men's singles 3rd round match against Gilles Simon of France at the Australian Open Tennis Tournament in Melbourne, January 18, 2008. Nadal won 3-0. - Xinhua

Second seed Rafael Nadal overcame an early struggle to seal a 7-5, 6-2, 6-3 win over French Gilles Simon in Melbourne yesterday to advance into the fourth round of the Australian Open men's single.

Nadal lost his first service game to fall behind at 0-2 and Simon hold the advantage firmly until the eighth game.

The Spaniard broke the ninth game to take the score back to 4-5and take the next three game to the victory at 7-5.

The comeback in the first set gave Nadal much confidence as he ran to a 4-0 lead in the second set and win again at 6-2.

Simon tried to gear up in the third set but the world No.2 Nadal refused to let any winning chance slip away as he raced to the final victory with a 6-3 victory.

"I know normally I start very hard, but I start the match watching the rival, not worried about me, trying to do my game, trying to play aggressive with my forehand." said Nadal after the game.

"It is important win for me. In every tournament, you have to overcome difficult moments. I have one in the first day. Today another time." added Nadal.

Nadal will face the winner of the match between Stefan Koubek and Paul-Henri Mathieu in the fourth round.