Rafael Nadal has insisted that he is improving after reaching the third round of the Italian Open.

The Spaniard dropped down to seventh place in the world rankings at the start of the week following his defeat to Andy Murray in the Madrid Open final.

However, having beaten Marsel Ilhan in Rome on Wednesday, Nadal has claimed that he is happy with his game.

"I am playing better," he told the ATP's official website. "I need to confirm that with results, and I did that last week. I haven't played two weeks in a row at the right level yet, but today was a good start. I am happy for that."

Nadal will now meet John Isner in the last 16, and the 14-time Grand Slam champion is expecting a tough clash against the American.

"His serve is a big challenge, and he has a very good continuation with his forehand," he added. "It's difficult to play against him because you don't have a lot of control over the things that are going to happen. If he serves well, you are in big trouble. All that is in my hands is to be very focused on my serve and to try to create opportunities on his serve."

Nadal has won the Italian Open seven times, though he lost last year's final to Novak Djokovic.