Wimbledon 2017: Rafael Nadal beats Donald Young in straight sets in fading Wimbledon light

ByDan Quarrell

Updated 05/07/2017 at 20:44 GMT

Rafael Nadal beat the fading light and Donald Young as he secured a straight-sets victory, 6-4 6-2 7-5, to reach the third round of Wimbledon.

While relatively straightforward, Nadal's win did not come easily with Young repeatedly pushing the Spaniard into long rallies and extended games.

A crucial break of serve in the first set was enough to ensure Young could not respond and take it into a tie-break, and Nadal was quick to reassert his control in the second.

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An early break again afforded him a comfortable position in the second set and the American was immediately under the cosh.

Rafa Nadal against Donald Young

Image credit: Getty Images

The fourth seed only conceded two games in the second set, but much to Young's credit he refused to wilt in the third.

The all-important break arrived midway through the third set for Nadal, and despite trading late breaks, he was able to close out victory in fading light at nearly 21:00 UK time.

After over two hours on court, Nadal took the win to set up a third-round encounter against Russia's 30th seed Karen Khachanov.

He joins potential semi-final opponent Andy Murray in round three after the world number one beat Dustin Brown in straight sets.

Rafael Nadal during his second round match against USA’s Donald Young at Wimbledon

Image credit: Reuters

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