Rafael Nadal of Spain reacts after defeating Lukas Rosol of the Czech Republic
Reuters

Rafa Nadal has warned defending Wimbledon champion Andy Murray and Novak Djokovic he is currently "playing the best level he has played on grass in a long time."

The world number one beat Lukas Rosol 4-6 7-6 (8-6) 6-4 6-4 on Thursday to avenge his defeat to the Czech at SW19 two years ago.

"This is the best level I (have) played on grass since a long time ago, the last three sets, and that is very important for me," Nadal was quoted as saying by Marca after his victory.

"It is a very important victory for me. To be in the third round here again after three years is very positive news and I think I finished the match playing at a very high level,"

"Maybe if I lose that set point in the second set, if that forehand down the line went out, maybe I will be here with a loss, but that is the sport."

After winning his eighth title at Roland Garros last month the Spaniard has reached the third round of Wimbledon for the first time since 2011, after suffering an opening round defeat to Steve Darcis last year.

On his win over Rosol he added: "My forehand was a perfect forehand for that moment. I was fighting mentally and physically for every ball and was able to find solutions through the whole match. At the same time my physical performance was different today than a few years ago.

"I really know that I had the chance to lose the match, but I didn't today. That is the positive thing for me and I am very happy for that."

"I think I played with fantastic energy during the last three sets, was very positive, very quick with my legs and very quick mentally, so I am very pleased the way that I played."