Two-time champion Rafael Nadal marked his return to Centre Court with a 6-4, 6-2, 7-5 victory over Donald Young to reach the third round at Wimbledon. The 31-year-old Spaniard, who missed last year’s tournament through injury, looked to be easing to victory until he was broken by the aggressive American when serving for the match.

But the world number two broke back and served out to love to seal the win. Fourth seed Nadal will face Russia’s 30th seed Karen Khachanov on Friday. He joins potential semi-final opponent Andy Murray in round three after the world number one beat Dustin Brown in straight sets.

Fellow top-four seeded players Roger Federer and Novak Djokovic play their second-round matches later today.

The 15-time Grand Slam champion hit 37 winners in total – many of those with his imposing forehand – and won 80% of points on his first serve.

Young hit 31 winners himself, the world number 43 providing a stern test and plenty of entertainment for the crowd, particularly when he halted Nadal’s progress in the third set.

Yet Nadal prevailed. He may have come into the tournament with questions over his current abilities on grass – Monday’s match was his first on the surface in two years – but this showing suggested he could be ready to emulate past successes at Wimbledon.