Rafa Nadal moved a step closer toward his first title of the season by defeating Nicolas Kiefer 6-2 6-4 in the third round at the Sony Ericsson Open.

After receiving a first-round bye, the second-seeded Rafa posted his second consecutive straight-sets victory after defeating qualifier Benjamin Becker in the second round.

"Well, it was not the best day (with the rain) because I was playing unbelievable in the beginning, you know, playing very well, hitting very well the ball, and playing almost perfect match." Rafa said.

"So I was very happy about my victory. "When I came back to the court the ball was a little bigger and slower, and it was a little bit more difficult for me.Anyway, I feel I played a very complete match."

Next up for Rafa is Paul-Henri Mathieu,who ousted Carlos Moya of Spain 7-6 (7/1) 7-5. "I played against him some time before and they were always very, very tough matches," Rafa said of Mathieu.

"I know he's playing well. He's doing well. He won against Moya today." Ranked second in the world since July 2005, Rafa is playing in his 12th tournament since his last title at Stuttgart in July.