World number two Rafael Nadal [ Images ] predicted a big future for Japanese teenager Kei Nishikori on Thursday after surviving a scare at Queen's Club.

- Nadal struggles past Nishikori

French Open [ Images ] champion Nadal was given a tough time by the 18-year-old before winning their third round clash 6-4, 3-6, 6-3.

"He plays very easy, he reads the game very well and moves well," the Spaniard told reporters at the traditional pre-Wimbledon event where he is bidding for his first grasscourt title.

"He is very, very good. he is going to be top 10 for sure, top five. I am 100 percent sure. He's a very talented player.

"When he has time on his forehand he will kill you every time. He needs to improve a few little things but he's going to be very good."

Nishikori, who now lives in Florida [ Images ], became the first Japanese player to win an ATP tournament for 16 years in February when he beat James Blake [ Images ] in Delray Beach and he is winning plenty of admirers.

He has even developed a signature shot, a both-feet-off-the-ground forehand, that had the Queen's Club fans in raptures on Thursday.

"Just give him one more year," added Nadal. "I think he has everything."