French Open 2018: Top seed Rafael Nadal cruises into round three


FE Team | Published: June 01, 2018 15:29:49 | Updated: June 02, 2018 12:20:35


Spain's Rafael Nadal in action during his French Open second round match against Argentina's Guido Pella on Thursday - Reuters photo

World number one Rafael Nadal eased into the French Open third round with a straight-set win over Guido Pella.

Ten-time champion Nadal saw off the Argentine 6-2 6-1 6-1 in two hours and three minutes at Roland Garros on Thursday, the BBC reports.

The 31-year-old Spaniard will now face France's Richard Gasquet, who beat Tunisia's Malek Jaziri 6-2 3-6 6-3 6-0.

"We have known each since 11 or 12 years old and grown up together, so it is going to be a great pleasure to play against him," said Nadal.

"I played such a good match today, I am very happy with the way I played."

Croatian third seed Marin Cilic overcame Poland's Hubert Hurkacz 6-2 6-2 6-7 (3-7) 7-5 to set up a meeting with American Steve Johnson.

Fifth seed Juan Martin del Potro also came through unscathed, powering to a 6-4 6-3 6-2 victory over 36-year-old home hopeful Julien Benneteau, who was playing in his last French Open.

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