KEY BISCAYNE, Fla. — Rafael Nadal has advanced to the fourth round at the Sony Ericsson Open by rallying to beat wild card David Nalbandian 6-7 (8), 6-2, 6-2.

Nadal, seeded fourth, remained on course for a showdown in the final against No. 1 Roger Federer. No. 2 Novak Djokovic and No. 3 Andy Murray lost their opening matches.

Nadal held a set point in the tiebreaker Sunday but let it slip away, losing the final three points. But after losing serve early in the match when he double-faulted on break point, Nadal held his final 11 service games.

The Spaniard had 29 winners and only 26 unforced errors.

Nalbandian, a former top-five player mounting a comeback from hip surgery, fell to 6-2 this year.