Former champions Novak Djokovic and Rafael Nadal remained on course for a semi-final meeting at Wimbledon following second round victories today.

Two-time champion Rafael Nadal was made to work hard before emerging with a three set win over Kazakhstan’s Mikail Kukush-Kin.

The world number one was given the penalty at the end of the second set before coming out on top 6-4, 6-3, 6-4.

Djokovic overcame a knee problem to beat Horacio Zeballos 6-1, 6-2, 6-3.

Third seed Marin Cilic was knocked out by Argentina’s Guido Pella going down 3-6, 1-6, 6-4, 7-6, 7-5.

Three-time grand slam winner Stan Wawrinka was another to be eliminated going down 7-6 , 6-3 7-6 to Italian qualifier Thomas Fabbiano.

But there were no problems for Argentine fifth seed Juan Martin Del Potro who only needed one hour and 34 minutes to beat Feliciano Lopez 6-4, 6-1, 6-2.

US open finalist and eighth seed Kevin Anderson advanced after a 6-3, 6-7, 6-3, 6-4 victory over Andreas Seppi.

On the women’s side world number one Simona Halep also booked a spot in the next round, winning the last 10 games to beat Saisai Zheng of China 7-5, 6-love.