Rafael Nadal exults after defeating Kazakhstan’s Mikhail Kukushkin on Saturday. (Source: AP)

Rafael Nadal overcame another slow start at Wimbledon with a 6-7 (4), 6-1, 6-1, 6-1 win over Mikhail Kukushkin on a rainy Saturday that played havoc with the schedule.

Under the closed roof on Centre Court, and with 16 other matches suspended due to the inclement weather, Nadal lost his first set for the third time in three matches.

But like the others, he came back to win the next three sets and book his place in next week’s fourth round as he attempts to win his third title at the All England Club.

Rain first delayed the start of play on the outside courts for nearly two hours and eventually forced the calling off of more than 20 doubles and junior matches.