Nadal takes another firm step in Paris

The Spaniard leaves another good victory against Moutet and in the third round he will face Van de Zandschulp

Djokovic, meeting the Balearic in the quarterfinals, goes solid too

MADRID, 25 May. (EUROPA PRESS) -

The Spanish tennis player Rafa Nadal beat Frenchman Corentin Moutet (6-3, 6-1, 6-4) to sign his second victory this week at the Roland Garros tournament, a solid and hard-working performance that brings him to the third round with the Dutch Botic van de Zandschulp.

The Balearic advanced this Wednesday again on the fast track, as in his debut two days ago against the Australian Jordan Thompson, against a rival who gave him a rhythm with which to grow. The 13-time champion is still looking for the best version of himself, but he advanced without discussion in the Parisian night. In the morning session Novak Djokovic did it.

The night date did not help the ball run as Nadal likes, the ball heavier but with good exchanges both. The Frenchman, a self-confessed admirer of the champion of 21 'greats', began with logical nerves, but gradually let go until he forced his prestigious rival not to miss a single game.

The clash began comfortably for the king of the land, while Moutet was unable to hurt the Spanish. With an early 'break', the man from Manacor went straight for the first round, despite the fact that the Frenchman was already letting go of his game little by little. Nadal had a quality response to Moutet's challenge and made it 6-3.

The Spaniard maintained his level and was aggressive again to lead the second round, this time with a double break. Still without facing any break ball, Nadal sentenced the second set with a serious 6-1. The script was perfect for the Spaniard, for always maintaining the tone against a rival that would end up letting go.

With nothing to lose, Moutet struck left and right, with the crowd appreciating his effort in lengthy exchanges. The Frenchman broke in Nadal's first and only oversight, the first game of the third set, and forced the Spaniard to one last effort in the Philippe Chatrier. The set was equalized in the fourth game and the Balearic tamed it with 5-3.

Serving to close the victory, Nadal again delivered the serve to a smiling Moutet almost like someone fulfilling a dream. With the direct set for a long time, the man from Manacor had no problem charging the rest again and signing a convincing pass to the third round. Those night conditions, humidity and heavy ball took the shine off a Nadal without a trace of discomfort in his foot.

Meanwhile, Djokovic, who would be the Spaniard's rival in the quarterfinals, beat Slovakian Alex Molcan (6-2, 6-3, 7-6(4)). The world number one and current champion in Paris demonstrated the high level that he has been gaining in recent weeks, especially with the title in Rome, and will face Slovenian Aljaz Bedene in the third round.