Djokovic, Nadal storm into French Open fourth round

Rafael Nadal pounded Dutch 26th seed Botic van de Zandschulp 6-3 6-2 6-4 in the French Open third round on Friday to stay on track for a possible mouth-watering standoff against world number one Novak Djokovic in the quarter-finals.

Fifth seed Nadal has won a record 13 Roland Garros titles and 21 majors however the Spaniard was denied last year when he went down in the semi-finals to possible champion Djokovic.

Around a similar time on neighboring Court Philippe Chatrier, the Serbian likewise placed on a productive showcase to book his spot in the fourth round with a 6-3 6-3 6-2 win over Slovenia’s Aljaz Bedene to remain in the chase after a record-equalling 21st Grand Slam.

While favorite Djokovic will next meet Argentine Diego Schwartzman, Nadal faces Canadian 10th seed Felix Auger-Aliassime before their expected conflict in the last eight.