Tim Henman survived his first serious test at this year's Wimbledon championships, holding his nerve to beat last year's runner-up David Nalbandian 6-2 6-7 7-5 6-3 in a thrilling encounter on Centre Court tonight.
The British number one eventually booked his place in the last eight after three hours of high drama.
Roared on by a full house on the show court the 28-year-old came out firing, playing with controlled aggression to dominate the first set.
Nalbandian refused to panic, however, and he gradually made inroads into Henman's serve, recovering from an early break to force a tiebreak which he won 7-4.
Seven consecutive service breaks followed in a remarkably topsy-turvy third set before Henman finally edged in front.
A weary-looking Nalbandian came from behind again in the fourth set but he finally capitulated when serving to stay in the match.
He saved two match points but a netted forehand on the third gave Henman victory.