Spanish star Rafael Nadal has reached the fourth round of the French Open, but not before a “benchmark” security breach.
The phenomenon of Spanish tennis Rafael Nadal has reached the fourth round of the French Open on Friday with a convincing victory in sets in a row over the number 26 seed, Botic van de Zandschulp.
The 35-year-old won 6-3, 6-2 and 6-4 in his third round on the Paris track Philippe Chatrier to host an attractive round-of-16 clash with Canadian Felix Auger-Aliassime.
But after finishing his post-match routine, Nadal was intercepted by a small boy who had sprinted on the court.
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The 21-time Grand Slam champion politely greeted the long-haired boy, also named Rafael, and brushed his hair before security intervened and presumably escorted the boy to his parents.
Although the moment was undeniably adorable, it raised questions about the safety of the place.
“Yeah, I think Rafa was probably a little surprised, because it’s not what you’re expecting,” great tennis player Tim Henman said. Eurosport.
“He (the security guard) is thinking,‘ Wow, I haven’t finished my job. ’But I think the boy was probably looking for a souvenir, asking for a racket or a bracelet or something.
“But it’s not necessarily what you expect to see on one of the show tracks in a Grand Slam.”
The Christmas record at Roland Garros improved to 108-3 after defeating Van de Zandschulp in the quarterfinals of the 2021 US Open.
The world number 5 has now reached the fourth round in 17 of his 18 visits to Roland Garros, with the exception of 2016 when he retired in the third round due to a wrist injury.
“Today has been a very good test and a very positive test, because I have been able to play my best match of the tournament so far, without any doubt,” said Nadal.
The reigning French Open champion Novak Djokovic and 13-time Nadal winner are ready to face the quarter-finals at Roland Garros after the world number one won 6-3 , 6-3 and 6-2 over Slovenian Aljaz Bedene. Friday.
“I am always very motivated when I get to the track, looking forward to producing my best level every time. It is not always possible to do it, but today it has been very good “, said Djokovic.
The 35-year-old aims to become the biggest men’s singles champion in Paris in the Open era as he pursues a 21st record-breaking Grand Slam title.
Next up for Djokovic, who also won the 2016 French Open, is a clash with Argentine Diego Schwartzman, the 15th seed.
– with AFP