Rafael Nadal was delighted by the way he battled to beat James Blake 7-5, 6-7, 6-3 in the second round of the China Open today.

The world No2, in his first tournament since picking up an abdominal injury at the US Open, was not at his rampaging best but proved his fitness with victory over the world No24 from America.

"I felt I played really well all the match, one of my best matches since injuring my knees," said the Spaniard, who missed his Wimbledon title defence because of tendinitis. "He's a very good player and I think he has one of the best returns of any player I've faced. Winning in three sets always gives you confidence but today what really gives me confidence is how I played."

Nadal will meet Marat Safin in the quarter-finals after the Russian beat No7 seed Fernando Gonzalez, of Chile, 6-3, 6-4.

In the women's draw, the third round was a step too far for China's world No226 Zhang Shuai, who lost 6-1, 6-4 to France's Marion Bartoli.

The wildcard claimed the shock of the Beijing tournament when beating Dinara Safina and ending the Russian's reign as world No1.