- Rafael Nadal taken to three sets in Indian Wells opener
- Beats Radek Stepanek 2-6 6-3 7-3 in second round match
- Roger Federer, Stanislas Wawrinka and Andy Murray also go through
- Wins for Li Na and Maria Sharapova in WTA event
(CNN) — Defending champion Rafael Nadal struggled with a misfiring service and an awkward opponent in veteran Czech Radek Stepanek before battling into the third round of the Masters 1000 event at Indian Wells.
Nadal was in deep trouble in the third and deciding set before pulling out a 2-6 6-3 7-5 victory.
The world number one admitted that the back problem which affected him during his Australian Open final defeat to Stanislas Wawrinka was still leaving him with doubts.
“I was a little bit scared for the back. I am not yet 100 per cent confident with my service,” he told gathered reporters after serving eight double faults in the two hour 40 minute encounter.
Read: Nadal: Aussie Open loss one my toughest moments
Stepanek, 35, also posed an unusual challenge as Nadal acknowledged: “He is not the right player to play against in the first match because what you want to find is rhythm and against him every point is different.”
Stepanek swept through the first set before Nadal hit back to level and take a break lead in the third set.
Stepanek broke back then forced three break points on the Spaniard’s service in the sixth game.
“It’s true that with love-40, I was very close to losing, to being out, but I think I did two good serves and then I played a great point,” said Nadal.
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