Rafael Nadal ended the run of Sebastian Korda with a 6-1 6-1 6-2 win to seal a Quarter-Final berth at Roland Garros.
The Spaniard continued his bid for a 13th Roland Garros title when he took on American qualifier, Sebastian Korda.
In windy conditions, Nadal established dominance early on as he used a lot of spin, working the points to tire out the young American.
Extending the rallies was going to be the key as Korda didn’t have the firepower to outhit Nadal.
Unlike his previous match, the world number two didn’t have to start with a fast tempo and he could use spin rather than pace on his forehand.
The first two sets had a similar pattern as the American couldn’t impose his game into the match as Nadal broke five times to lead 6-1 6-1 after 70 minutes.
However the world number 213 wasn’t going to give up easily and made use of the windy conditions.
Constructing the points well and hitting the high percentage shots, Korda grew into the contest and won the first two games of the third set.
A double break threatened in the next game but Korda couldn’t take his opportunities and Nadal found his consistency.
Some special returns and clutch serving saw Nadal reel off six games in a row to clinch a place in the last eight.
It was a great run for Korda, who won three matches in qualifying and reaching the fourth round of a grand slam for the first time in his career.
However Nadal was just too strong for the American as Nadal is still yet to drop a set on his way to a potential 13th Roland Garros title.
Next for Nadal will be Jannik Sinner or Alexander Zverev in the last eight in what will surely be his toughest test of the tournament.
