The 37 year old Spaniard hit a backhand return wide to trail 40-0 and face set point.

Bergs struck an overhead winner to hold serve and take the set.

However early in set two, Nadal reduced his error count to take leads of 2-0 and 3-1 before serving for the set at 5-3.

The Spaniard struck an overhead winner to reach setpoint before hitting a powerful crosscourt forehand winner to hold serve and level the match at one set all.

With the Begian running down many of Nadal's best shots at one game all, the left hander Nadal struck a crosscourt backhand winner which he followed up with a crosscourt forehand winner on break point to break serve and lead 2-1.

Serving for the match at 5-4, Nadal struck an overhead winner to lead 15-0.

At 30-15, Nadal hit an ace down the tee to reach 40-15 and matchpoint.

In the final point of the match, Nadal struck a powerful crosscourt forehand which Bergs framed in a backhand stab attempt after two hours and fifty-two minutes of play.

In round two Saturday, Nadal takes on the seventh seeded Hubert Hurkacz of Poland.

Nadal could meet the 10th seeded Hulger Rune of Denmark later in the tournament in the fourth round.

The Italian Open is the final major warm up tournament for Roland Garros also known as the French Open which is to be played May 26th through June 9th in Paris, France.

Nadal has won a record 14 Roland Garros singles titles after first winning in his 2005 tournament debut.