Mercedes Cup: Rafael Nadal gets past Marcos Baghdatis to reach the quarterfinals

Rafael Nadal plays a backhand in his win over Marcos Baghdatis

Spaniard Rafael Nadal beat Marcos Baghdatis 7-6 (5), 6-7 (5), 6-2 in 2 hours and 40 minutes to reach the last eight stage in Stuttgart.

Nadal was 2-4 down and saved three break points before winning the first set in the breaker. Baghdatis was more aggressive in the second set and took the match to a decider after winning the set in a breaker.

The World No. 10 broke the Cypriot’s serve twice in the third set to set a quarterfinal clash against Bernard Tomic.

"The first match on grass is always tough," Nadal said. "He's a very good player and he'd already played a match."

The young Australian cut short Tommy Haas’s return with a 7-6 (6), 6-2 win.

"I need to be more aggressive, to return better, and to move better," Nadal said ahead of his match against Tomic.

What is the foot injury that has troubled Rafael Nadal over the years? Check here