Melbourne, Jan 23 (IANS): World No.3 Rafael Nadal got off to a fast start against Israel's Dudi Sela Friday, but was later tested before he booked a spot in the Australian Open tennis tournament's fourth round.

Nadal, the third seed and 2009 champion, lost just 25 points in the first two sets of his 6-1, 6-0, 7-5 victory over Sela.

Having struggled during his five-set win over Tim Smyczek Wednesday, Nadal converted seven of his 18 break point opportunities to secure victory in two hours and four minutes.

“I was happy the way I was physically on court tonight,” said Nadal, who underwent appendix surgery in early November last year.

“Obviously, happy with the way I played the first two sets. Then in the third, I made more mistakes. It's normal to play every day with a little bit more ups and downs when you are out for a while."

Nadal expressed satisfaction at his service game and said e grew in confidence as the match progressed.

“My serve worked well on the break points. I had one lucky break. the net-cord with my forehand. But the rest of the points I played with determination, going to the net, having some good serves.

In the last game, I am happy the way that I lost the first match point trying to go for the winner with my forehand. I played with the right determination in the right moments. That gives me confidence and a way of how to play for the future,” he said.