(AP) – Top-ranked Rafael Nadal is into the third round at Melbourne Park after beating Leonardo Mayer 6-3, 6-4, 7-6 (4).

Rafa served for the match but was broken in the 10th game, with Mayer hitting a cross-court winner that clipped the line. In the tiebreaker, Rafa won on his first match point with a service winner.

After the match, Rafa said:

An important victory against a tough opponent. He has big potential, hits the ball so strong, I had to hit some great shots in the tie-break. Hes a very dangerous opponent, and we’ve been friends for a long time.  Happy to be in the third round after not having competition for a long time.

It’s always a very special to play in this court. It gives me great energy. Thank you to all the crowd, and many thanks for the support.

Hopefully Toni was watching the match at home. I have the team here working the right way, and Toni is always there if we need him. To my team, and my family this is the favourite tournament of the year so I want to be here as long as possible.

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Tennis – Australian Open – Rod Laver Arena, Melbourne, Australia, January 17, 2018. Spain’s Rafael Nadal prepares to serve during his match against Argentina’s Leonardo Mayer. REUTERS/Issei Kato

MELBOURNE, VIC – JANUARY 17: Rafael Nadal of Spain collects tennis balls form a ball kid in his second round match during the 2018 Australian Open on January 17, 2018, at Melbourne Park Tennis Centre in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Jason Heidrich/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)MELBOURNE, VIC – JANUARY 17:

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Spain’s Rafael Nadal reacts during their men’s singles second round match against Argentina’s Leonardo Mayer on day three of the Australian Open tennis tournament in Melbourne on January 17, 2018. / AFP PHOTO / Paul Crock / — IMAGE RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE – STRICTLY NO COMMERCIAL USE — (Photo credit should read PAUL CROCK/AFP/Getty Images)

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MELBOURNE, VIC – JANUARY 17: Rafael Nadal of Spain asks for some water in his second round match during the 2018 Australian Open on January 17, 2018, at Melbourne Park Tennis Centre in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Jason Heidrich/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)MELBOURNE, VIC – JANUARY 17:

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MELBOURNE, VIC – JANUARY 17: Rafael Nadal of Spain contemplates in his second round match during the 2018 Australian Open on January 17, 2018, at Melbourne Park Tennis Centre in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Jason Heidrich/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)MELBOURNE, VIC – JANUARY 17:

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EPA2194. MELBOURNE (AUSTRALIA), 17/01/2018.- El tenista español Rafa Nadal descansa durante el partido de segunda ronda contra el argentino Leonardo Meyer en el Abierto de Australia en Melbourne (Australia) hoy, 17 de enero de 2018. EFE/ Dean Lewins AUSTRALIA AND NEW ZEALAND OUT

EPA2194. MELBOURNE (AUSTRALIA), 17/01/2018.- El tenista español Rafa Nadal descansa durante el partido de segunda ronda contra el argentino Leonardo Meyer en el Abierto de Australia en Melbourne (Australia) hoy, 17 de enero de 2018. EFE/ Tracey Nearmy PROHIBIDO SU USO EN AUSTRALIA Y NUEVA ZELANDA

EPA2194. MELBOURNE (AUSTRALIA), 17/01/2018.- El tenista español Rafa Nadal durante el partido de segunda ronda contra el argentino Leonardo Meyer en el Abierto de Australia en Melbourne (Australia) hoy, 17 de enero de 2018. EFE/ Mark Cristino

MELBOURNE, VIC – JANUARY 17: Rafael Nadal of Spain prepares to serve in his second round match during the 2018 Australian Open on January 17, 2018, at Melbourne Park Tennis Centre in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Jason Heidrich/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)MELBOURNE, VIC – JANUARY 17:

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MELBOURNE, VIC – JANUARY 17: Rafael Nadal of Spain points in his second round match during the 2018 Australian Open on January 17, 2018, at Melbourne Park Tennis Centre in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Jason Heidrich/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)MELBOURNE, VIC – JANUARY 17:

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EPA2194. MELBOURNE (AUSTRALIA), 17/01/2018.- El tenista español Rafa Nadal durante el partido de segunda ronda contra el argentino Leonardo Meyer en el Abierto de Australia en Melbourne (Australia) hoy, 17 de enero de 2018. EFE/ Mark Cristino

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Rafa said he believes the roofs at Rod Laver Arena, Margaret Court Arena and Hisense Arena should be closed to protect the players’ health in extreme conditions.

Even I like sometimes play with hot (temperatures). When is too much, it becomes dangerous for the health. I would not like to see here retirements.

The Australian Open has an extreme heat policy that goes into effect when temperatures reach 40 degrees Celsius (104 Fahrenheit). The roofs can be closed in such situations prior to the start of play.

Rafa isn’t scheduled to play again until Friday. He said he’s still avoiding the heat on Thursday and practicing indoors.

Our champ will next play 28th-seeded Damir Dzumhur, who beat John Millman in four sets.

Source: AP