Rafael Nadal has warned the rest of the field at the Australian Open he is starting to get back to his best after a comprehensive third round victory over Luckas Lacko (Nadal 11/2 Australian Open Outright).

The Spaniard has cruised through the first three rounds at Melbourne Park without dropping a set, dumping out Slovakian qualifier Lacko 6-2 6-4 6-2 to reach round four on Friday.

The world number two’s form has been up and down since last year’s Wimbledon final defeat to Novak Djokovic, reaching the US Open final but failing to win an ATP Tour event in that time.

Nadal started the year by losing to Gael Monfils in the semi-finals of an exhibition event in Qatar but has found his feet since arriving in Australia.

The 2009 Australian Open champion will face 18th seed Feliciano Lopez in the next round and was feeling optimistic about his chances of success at Melbourne Park.

“I am playing well and if you are playing well, things can be a little bit less difficult,” Nadal said.

“I have done well, played all three matches at a very good level. Today was one of the best, solid, without mistakes, comfortable with the serve, having good returns.”

Joining Nadal in round four will be Roger Federer (4/1 Tournament Outright) after he eventually broke the stubborn resistance of Ivo Karlovic on the Rod Laver Arena.