Rafael Nadal started his Rogers Cup defense as he defeated England's Dan Evan in straight sets after a tough match.
The 33 years old Spanish star defeated 29 years old Evan 7-6 6-4 in a second round match messed up by rain in Montreal, Canada.
18 Grand slam Nadal playing his first game since losing to Roger Federer in the Wimbledon semifinals last month started slowly and could be seen struggling to match Evans's aggressive and accurate style of play in an exciting first set.
After an impressive year, Evans has moved within the cusp of the world's 50. On Wednesday, he again proved that he has what it takes to battle at top level.
Evans started brightly by breaking Nadal's serve in the first game of the match and held to love in the next. Nadal however fought back and drew 3-3 before going on to claim two sets point at 5-4.
Nadal who had only lost one in his last 75 matches he had won in the first set started well by breaking Evans in the first game of the second set.
A second longer rain delay disrupted Nadal's flow as the Spaniard allowed Evans to break back in the first game after resuming. However a break in Evans's next service game was instrumental in Nadal going on to wrap up victory.
After the match, Nadal praised Evans and called him a good player that combines an aggressive approach with good hands.
He also acknowledged that the first set was tough and that he was able to take advantage in the second.
Rafael Nadal will continue his title defense by facing Argentina's Guido Pella in the tournament's last 16.