Rafael Nadal beats Francisco Cerundolo in thriller to book place in Wimbledon second round

Rafael Nadal has booked his place in the second round at Wimbledon after a hard-fought victory over Francisco Cerundolo.

Nadal has not won a title at SW19 since 2010 but got his campaign up and running after seeing off his spirited Argentine opponent with a 6-4 6-3 3-6 6-4 win on Tuesday afternoon.

In a draining contest that played out over three and a half hours, Nadal took the first two sets but Cerundolo roared back in the third to keep his challenge alive.

Cerundolo broke Nadal in a thrilling fourth but the 22-time Grand Slam winner broke straight back before winning the next three games in scintillating fashion, turning the set on its head and sealing victory.

The Spaniard is chasing down a calendar-year Grand Slam having already triumphed at the Australian Open and French Open this year.

More to follow

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