Novak Djokovic struggles as Rafael Nadal eases through at French Open
Djokovic taken to five sets as Nadal wins for the loss of just one game on Friday
Friday 2 June 2017 18:20, UK
Defending champion Novak Djokovic struggled through to the next round at the French Open as Rafael Nadal continued his quest for a 10th title in style.
Fourth seed Nadal coasted to the most one-sided win of his Roland Garros career with a 6-0 6-1 6-0 demolition of Nikoloz Basilashvili with his 63rd-ranked opponent, playing his first match on Philippe Chatrier Court, out of his depth against the 'King of Clay'.
Djokovic struggled into the last 16 after downing battling Diego Schwartzman of Argentina 5-7 6-3 3-6 6-1 6-1.
It was the 100th best-of-five set match on clay that Nadal had played in his career. His record now stands at 98-2 with his only two losses coming at Roland Garros.
Basilashvili, 25, hit just five winners and committed 34 unforced errors in a one-sided defeat that lasted 90 minutes and finished just as rain clouds were gathering overhead.
Nadal, who turns 31 on Saturday, will meet fellow Spaniard Roberto Bautista Agut for a place in the quarter-finals.
"Perfection? I don't know about that," said Nadal, who plans to celebrate his 31st birthday on Saturday by watching Real Madrid take on Juventus in the Champions League final.
"I think I played very well today. The most important thing is to be through and I played my best match in a while.
"Tomorrow at 8.45 I'm going to be in front of the TV for sure supporting my team, hoping that Real Madrid will win another time," he added.
Second seed Djokovic endured a rollercoaster of an afternoon on Court Philippe Chatrier, picking up warnings for his behaviour as his mindset became as gloomy as the weather.
He eventually triumphed, racking up 12 of the last 14 games as Schwartzman's challenge was foiled by a late back injury.
"I expected a tough match, there were lots of exchanges from the baseline and the conditions were heavy," said Djokovic who joined in a standing ovation for the beaten Argentine. I congratulate Diego on a great battle. He played very, very well."
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