French Open 2022: 'I think it was my best match' - Rafael Nadal blitzes Botic van de Zandschulp to move into round four

Rafael Nadal delivered a statement performance to breeze past Botic van de Zandschulp 6-3 6-2 6-4 to reach the fourth round of the French Open. There were some whispered suggestions that the big-hitting Van de Zandschulp could cause problems for Nadal, but those theories were blown out of the water as the Spaniard produced his most impressive display of the tournament so far. Ad/> Although during his wins over Jordan Thompson and Corentin Moutet, Nadal’s weight of shot was up — there were times when his length was short and radar slightly awry.

Those wrinkles were ironed out against Van de Zandschulp as he dominated his opponent in all departments — and secured victory in two hours and 11 minutes. /> Roland-Garros'So good' — Nadal wows fans with 'incredible' shot to break serve29 MINUTES AGO Given the chronic foot complaint Nadal is managing, rapid victories could be crucial later in the event. Nadal felt it was his best performance of the French Open so far.

“It was a pleasure to play on Suzanne-Lenglen in front of an incredible crowd,” Nadal said. “Botic played really well, credit to him. “I am happy to be through in straight sets.

I think it was my best match of the tournament so far for two sets and a half.” Victory over Van de Zandschulp was the 301st of his career in Grand Slams, and Nadal joked that it showed his age. “It shows two things when you achieve these numbers,” Nadal said. “The first one is you are very old.

“The second is that I have had a great career. I am happy with how things have happened in my tennis career. “I have had tough moments with injuries, but I have enjoyed great experiences in my life because of tennis.