Rafael Nadal apologised to defeated Wimbledon opponent Lorenzo Sonego after a testy exchange in the closing stages of their third-round clash on Saturday.
Second seed Nadal, the champion in 2008 and 2010, reached the fourth round for the 10th time with a 6-1, 6-2, 6-4 win. The 36-year-old had required back-to-back four-setters to make the third round and was expected to be tested by Sonego, who made the fourth round last year.
However, Nadal did not face a break point until he dropped serve in the eighth game of the third set, his focus possibly affected by a stoppage to close the Centre Court roof.
He quickly broke back and sealed the victory. Read AlsoRafael Nadal eases into Wimbledon last-16 for 10th timeSecond seed Nadal, the champion in 2008 and 2010, swept to a 6-1, 6-2, 6-4 win against Italy's Lorenzo Sonego to reach the fourth round of the Grand Slam at the All England Club in London.