Three-time champion Rafael Nadal booked his spot in the third round of the BNP Paribas Open in Indian Wells with a 6-3, 6-2 win over Guido Pella.

Pella got off to a hot start, breaking Rafa in the third game of their first meeting. But our champ settled in and reeled off six of the next seven games to clinch the opener and break at the start of the second. Pella halted Rafa’s momentum by canceling out the break in the second game, but Rafa regained his lead in the fifth game and would win the last five games as he closed out victory in 81 minutes.

No. 5 seed next faces either fellow Spaniard Fernando Verdasco or Frenchman Pierre-Hugues Herbert.

Rafa is still bidding for his first hardcourt title in over three years (2014 Doha). He has played 30 hardcourt tournaments since then.

Rafael Nadal of Spain serves against Guido Pella of Argentina in their second round match during day seven of the BNP Paribas Open at Indian Wells Tennis Garden on March 12, 2017 in Indian Wells, California. (March 11, 2017 – Source: Clive Brunskill/Getty Images North America)

Rafael Nadal, of Spain, hits to Guido Pella, of Argentina, at the BNP Paribas Open tennis tournament, Sunday, March 12, 2017, in Indian Wells, Calif. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)

Rafael Nadal, of Spain, hits to Guido Pella, of Argentina, at the BNP Paribas Open tennis tournament, Sunday, March 12, 2017, in Indian Wells, Calif. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)

Rafael Nadal, of Spain, serves to Guido Pella, of Argentina, at the BNP Paribas Open tennis tournament, Sunday, March 12, 2017, in Indian Wells, Calif. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)

Rafael Nadal of Spain celebrates a point during his straight sets victory against Guido Pella of Argentina in their second round match during day seven of the BNP Paribas Open at Indian Wells Tennis Garden on March 12, 2017 in Indian Wells, California. (March 11, 2017 – Source: Clive Brunskill/Getty Images North America)

Rafael Nadal, of Spain, serves to Guido Pella, of Argentina, at the BNP Paribas Open tennis tournament, Sunday, March 12, 2017, in Indian Wells, Calif. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)

Rafael Nadal, of Spain, hits to Guido Pella, of Argentina, at the BNP Paribas Open tennis tournament, Sunday, March 12, 2017, in Indian Wells, Calif. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)

Rafael Nadal of Spain plays a forehand against Guido Pella of Argentina in their second round match during day six of the BNP Paribas Open at Indian Wells Tennis Garden on March 11, 2017 in Indian Wells, California.(March 12, 2017 – Source: Clive Brunskill/Getty Images North America)

Rafael Nadal of Spain plays a forehand against Guido Pella of Argentina in their second round match during day six of the BNP Paribas Open at Indian Wells Tennis Garden on March 11, 2017 in Indian Wells, California. (March 12, 2017 – Source: Clive Brunskill/Getty Images North America)

Rafael Nadal, of Spain, celebrates during his match with Guido Pella, of Argentina, at the BNP Paribas Open tennis tournament, Sunday, March 12, 2017, in Indian Wells, Calif. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)

Rafael Nadal, of Spain, celebrates during his match against Guido Pella, of Argentina, at the BNP Paribas Open tennis tournament, Sunday, March 12, 2017, in Indian Wells, Calif. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)

Rafael Nadal, of Spain, celebrates his win against Guido Pella, of Argentina, at the BNP Paribas Open tennis tournament, Sunday, March 12, 2017, in Indian Wells, Calif. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)

Rafael Nadal, of Spain, celebrates his win against Guido Pella, of Argentina, at the BNP Paribas Open tennis tournament, Sunday, March 12, 2017, in Indian Wells, Calif. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)

Rafael Nadal of Spain celebrates to the crowd after his straight sets victory against Guido Pella of Argentina in their second round match during day seven of the BNP Paribas Open at Indian Wells Tennis Garden on March 12, 2017 in Indian Wells, California. (March 11, 2017 – Source: Clive Brunskill/Getty Images North America)

Rafael Nadal of Spain celebrates to the crowd after his straight sets victory against Guido Pella of Argentina in their second round match during day seven of the BNP Paribas Open at Indian Wells Tennis Garden on March 12, 2017 in Indian Wells, California. (March 11, 2017 – Source: Clive Brunskill/Getty Images North America)

Source: BNP Paribas Open