French Open: Nadal Stays On Course For Possible Djokovic Clash

Men’s tennis world number five Rafael Nadal beat Dutch 26th seed Botic van de Zandschulp 6-3 6-2 6-4 in the French Open third round on Friday to remain on course for a potential mouth-watering clash, against world number one Novak Djokovic in the quarter-finals.

Around the same time on nearby Court Philippe Chatrier, Djokovic also put on a brilliant display to book his spot in the fourth round after a 6-3 6-3 6-2 win against Slovenia’s Aljaz Bedene, to stay in the hunt for a record-equalling 21st Grand Slam title.

While top seed Djokovic will next meet Argentine Diego Schwartzman, Nadal faces Canadian ninth seed Felix Auger-Aliassime, before their potential clash in the last eight of the tournament.

In Nadal’s first career meeting against Van de Zandschulp, the Spaniard controlled the game, absorbing his opponent’s power and then bringing out his dangerous forehand when required.

Nadal broke the 26-year-old’s service twice in each of the three sets, hit 25 winners while keeping a lid on his unforced errors. The left-hander closed out the contest with an overhead smash down the middle on his second match point.

Business as usual 💼@RafaelNadal defeats Botic Van De Zandschulp 6-3, 6-2, 6-4 to reach the fourth round at #RolandGarros for the 17th time. pic.twitter.com/WL0vnf4LTo

— Roland-Garros (@rolandgarros) May 27, 2022

“It’s a round of 16. I know I have to play at a very high level to have chances to keep going. It’s going to be a good test. In some way, that’s what I need,” Nadal said.

“Today has been a very good test too and a very positive test because I was able to play my best match of the tournament so far, without any doubt. For two sets and a half I was playing at a very positive level.”

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Nadal has won a record 13 French Open titles and 21 majors, but the Spaniard was denied last year when he went down in the semi-finals to eventual champion Djokovic.

A well-known Real Madrid fan, Nadal said his “intention and goal” was to attend the UEFA Champions League final on Saturday night at Stade de France in northern Paris when the Spanish side take on Liverpool.

Chidi Nwoke/Reuters/Roland Garros.