Nadal edges past Petzschner

Rafael Nadal won the battle of the walking wounded with Germany's Philipp Petzschner to reach the fourth round at Wimbledon but his victory was tinged with controversy after he was accused of receiving on-court coaching.

The world number one was forced to endure a second consecutive five-set match before securing a 6-4 4-6 6-7 (5/7) 6-2 6-3 triumph over the 33rd seed in a Centre Court match lasting 15 minutes short of four hours.

Nadal, who was taken to five sets by Robin Haase in his last match, three times called for the trainer to have treatment to his left arm and his right leg while Petzschner twice had a courtside massage as the effects of five-set matches in each of his first two rounds caught up with him.

In an incident-packed duel, the Spaniard was issued with a code violation by umpire Cedric Mourier in the deciding set for receiving tips from his coach, uncle Toni Nadal, who was sitting in the players' box.

Nadal, who next plays Frenchman Paul-Henri Mathieu for a place in the quarter-finals, shrugged off his injury woes and admitted he was relieved to win through to the second week.

"The match was very difficult for me," he admitted. "Philipp served unbelievably all match. I think I played well."

Of his injuries, Nadal said: "I will be fine. It's not a big problem. It's a long season for me, I've played a lot of matches in the last few months.

"I had a five-setter two days ago and another here and that's tough. But I'm very happy to be in the fourth round and I'll try to be better for Monday."