Rafael Nadal continued his unhindered and fairly serene comeback from a long-term injury by cruising to his first singles victory in over seven months at the ATP tournament in Chile.

Nadal beat qualifier Federico Delbonis of Argentina in straight sets 6-3, 6-2, in the VTR Open, with his knees holding up pretty well.

"I'm happy to play a singles match after so long," Nadal said. "I need days and time to get my game back, but so far the feeling on court is great.

"For now the most important thing is to spend as much time as possible on court. This victory allows me to play at least two more matches, singles and doubles.

Nadal started his comeback from the knee injury, which has kept him away from the sport since Wimbledon last year, by winning a doubles match Tuesday, and this singles victory in the second round of the singles will do wonders as the former world No. 1 one looks to get back to his all-conquering best.

"I think it was a fantastic feeling, being in a tennis court and competing in the singles, with a fantastic atmosphere since I arrived here in Chile.

"The people was very nice with me, I just can say thank you very much for making me feel like another Chilean, very happy for everything.

"Sure the victory was important for me, but more important was I had good feeling on court. The knee held up more or less well so that's was the most important thing and I'm very happy for that."

Nadal did not have a great start to the match on the clay courts of Chile, dropping his first game to go down 0-2 against the little-known Argentine.

However, slowly but surely the powerful forehands and the spinning returns found its way back into the armory and before you knew it, the Spaniard had sealed the first set.

The second was easier as Nadal, who had taped his troublesome left knee, found his groove to advance into the third round, where he will face the winner between compatriot Albert Montanes and Joao Sousa of Portugal.