Novak <a href="http://www.wionews.com/photos/in-pictures-dominant-novak-djokovics-7th-record-australian-open-title-victory-193182">Djokovic on Sunday stunned Rafael </a>Nadal 6-3 6-2 6-3 to win the Men's Australian Open 2019 title.&nbsp;

By virtue of this win, he's won a record seventh Australian Open title and his 15th grand slam title. He’s gone above Pete Sampras in the all-time list. He’s two behind Nadal and five behind Roger Federer.&nbsp;

The game lasted for just two hours and four minutes.

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Magnificent Seven!<a href="https://twitter.com/DjokerNole?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@DjokerNole</a> is the <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AusOpen?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AusOpen</a> 2019 men’s singles champion def. Rafael Nadal 6-3 6-2 6-3.<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AOChampion?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AOChampion</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AusOpenFinal?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AusOpenFinal</a> <a href="https://t.co/x5oRr6pfuO">pic.twitter.com/x5oRr6pfuO</a>
— #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) <a href="https://twitter.com/AustralianOpen/status/1089475767677775872?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 27, 2019</a></blockquote>
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Djokovic had hit 34 winners to 21 for Nadal. He only made nine unforced errors while Nadal made 28. Djokovic converted five of eight break points and only had to save one break point.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

Novak Djokovic on Sunday stunned Rafael Nadal 6-3 6-2 6-3 to win the Men's Australian Open 2019 title. By virtue of this win, he's won a record seventh Australian Open title and his 15th grand slam title.

Novak Djokovic on Sunday stunned Rafael Nadal 6-3 6-2 6-3 to win the Men's Australian Open 2019 title. By virtue of this win, he's won a record seventh Australian Open title and his 15th grand slam title. He’s gone above Pete Sampras in the all-time list. He’s two behind Nadal and five behind Roger Federer. The game lasted for just two hours and four minutes. Magnificent Seven!@DjokerNole is the #AusOpen 2019 men’s singles champion def. Rafael Nadal 6-3 6-2 6-3.#AOChampion #AusOpenFinal pic.twitter.com/x5oRr6pfuO — #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) January 27, 2019 × Djokovic had hit 34 winners to 21 for Nadal. He only made nine unforced errors while Nadal made 28. Djokovic converted five of eight break points and only had to save one break point.

Novak Djokovic beats Rafael Nadal to win record 7th Australian Open title 

In pics: How Rafael Nadal suffered at the hands of 'dominant' Novak Djokovic at 2019 Australian Open

Greatest rivals Novak Djokovic, Rafael Nadal square off in Australian Open final

A rampant Novak Djokovic completed a stunning 6-0, 6-2, 6-2 demolition of Lucas Pouille on Friday to storm into his seventh Australian Open final and set up a mouthwatering title match with Rafa Nadal.

The six-times champion was at his devastating best in the one hour and 23-minute procession as he gave the hapless Pouille a brutal lesson in Grand Slam tennis and extended his perfect semi-finals record to 7-0 at Melbourne Park.

Attacking the lines with machine-like precision, Djokovic broke the 28th-seeded Frenchman seven times yet never looked in danger of conceding a break point.

Top seed Djokovic wrapped up the encounter on the second match point when Pouille netted and the Serb will face Nadal in search of a record seventh title in Melbourne.

Djokovic was left struggling to remember whether he had played any better in his previous Melbourne semi-finals.

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.<a href="https://twitter.com/DjokerNole?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@DjokerNole</a> concedes just four games against Lucas Pouille to set up an <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AusOpen?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AusOpen</a> blockbuster final with Rafael Nadal. 
 
📰👇<a href="https://t.co/8WXJxn9xlc">https://t.co/8WXJxn9xlc</a>
— #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) <a href="https://twitter.com/AustralianOpen/status/1088753032504856576?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 25, 2019</a></blockquote>
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"It's definitely one of the best matches I have ever had on this court, definitely. Everything worked the way I intended before the match," he said.

Djokovic will meet second-seeded Spaniard Nadal in Sunday's final seven years after the Serb prevailed in a five hour 53-minute epic at the 2012 tournament, the longest Grand Slam final on record.

"I would definitely want to buy the ticket for the match, for those who haven't yet," he quipped in his on-court interview.

"That's (2012 final) a once in a life-time event and hopefully the outcome will be the same for me."

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.<a href="https://twitter.com/DjokerNole?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@DjokerNole</a> sending <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AusOpen?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AusOpen</a> final vibes to the <a href="https://twitter.com/RodLaverArena?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@RodLaverArena</a> crowd 🙌 <a href="https://t.co/PRgnjNcezW">pic.twitter.com/PRgnjNcezW</a>
— #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) <a href="https://twitter.com/AustralianOpen/status/1088746946880327680?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 25, 2019</a></blockquote>
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Even before entering the court on Friday, Djokovic was a heavy favourite on paper.

No Frenchman had beaten him in 27 previous matches at the Grand Slams, his last defeat coming against Jo-Wilfried Tsonga at the 2010 quarter-finals in Melbourne.

A nervous-looking Pouille felt the weight of history and was soon under siege on serve.

After saving two break points, he struck a double-fault to fall 2-0 behind.

That was all the head-start Djokovic needed as he roared to a 5-0 lead before many of the centre court fans had settled in their seats.

Djokovic smiled ruefully after wasting a set point with an ambitious drop shot from the baseline.

But with another two in the bank and an anxious opponent, he could afford the luxury.

Pouille did little with the reprieve, smacking a forehand long, and when the dust had cleared, he looked up to see the set was gone in 23 minutes.

A low rumble of unease coursed through the stadium as Djokovic broke the Frenchman to lead 3-1 in the second, with fans being served up an execution rather than treated to a contest.

After Pouille held serve to 4-2, the crowd erupted.

There was plenty of good will toward the Frenchman at centre court but even his most loyal fans would have tutted at the way he conceded the second set in 33 minutes.

He squandered a chance to hold serve with an errant backhand then lazily fired wide off the same wing to hand the Serb a two-set lead.

From there it was academic, as Djokovic whipped through the last set in 27 minutes, with Pouille yet another of the Tour's young hopefuls left humbled by the master Serb.

A rampant Novak Djokovic completed a stunning 6-0, 6-2, 6-2 demolition of Lucas Pouille on Friday to storm into his seventh Australian Open final and set up a mouthwatering title match with Rafa Nadal.

A rampant Novak Djokovic completed a stunning 6-0, 6-2, 6-2 demolition of Lucas Pouille on Friday to storm into his seventh Australian Open final and set up a mouthwatering title match with Rafa Nadal. The six-times champion was at his devastating best in the one hour and 23-minute procession as he gave the hapless Pouille a brutal lesson in Grand Slam tennis and extended his perfect semi-finals record to 7-0 at Melbourne Park. Attacking the lines with machine-like precision, Djokovic broke the 28th-seeded Frenchman seven times yet never looked in danger of conceding a break point. Top seed Djokovic wrapped up the encounter on the second match point when Pouille netted and the Serb will face Nadal in search of a record seventh title in Melbourne. Djokovic was left struggling to remember whether he had played any better in his previous Melbourne semi-finals. .@DjokerNole concedes just four games against Lucas Pouille to set up an #AusOpen blockbuster final with Rafael Nadal. 📰👇https://t.co/8WXJxn9xlc — #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) January 25, 2019 × "It's definitely one of the best matches I have ever had on this court, definitely. Everything worked the way I intended before the match," he said. Djokovic will meet second-seeded Spaniard Nadal in Sunday's final seven years after the Serb prevailed in a five hour 53-minute epic at the 2012 tournament, the longest Grand Slam final on record. "I would definitely want to buy the ticket for the match, for those who haven't yet," he quipped in his on-court interview. "That's (2012 final) a once in a life-time event and hopefully the outcome will be the same for me." .@DjokerNole sending #AusOpen final vibes to the @RodLaverArena crowd 🙌 pic.twitter.com/PRgnjNcezW — #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) January 25, 2019 × Even before entering the court on Friday, Djokovic was a heavy favourite on paper. No Frenchman had beaten him in 27 previous matches at the Grand Slams, his last defeat coming against Jo-Wilfried Tsonga at the 2010 quarter-finals in Melbourne. A nervous-looking Pouille felt the weight of history and was soon under siege on serve. After saving two break points, he struck a double-fault to fall 2-0 behind. That was all the head-start Djokovic needed as he roared to a 5-0 lead before many of the centre court fans had settled in their seats. Djokovic smiled ruefully after wasting a set point with an ambitious drop shot from the baseline. But with another two in the bank and an anxious opponent, he could afford the luxury. Pouille did little with the reprieve, smacking a forehand long, and when the dust had cleared, he looked up to see the set was gone in 23 minutes. A low rumble of unease coursed through the stadium as Djokovic broke the Frenchman to lead 3-1 in the second, with fans being served up an execution rather than treated to a contest. After Pouille held serve to 4-2, the crowd erupted. There was plenty of good will toward the Frenchman at centre court but even his most loyal fans would have tutted at the way he conceded the second set in 33 minutes. He squandered a chance to hold serve with an errant backhand then lazily fired wide off the same wing to hand the Serb a two-set lead. From there it was academic, as Djokovic whipped through the last set in 27 minutes, with Pouille yet another of the Tour's young hopefuls left humbled by the master Serb.

Australian Open: Novak Djokovic defeats Lucas Pouille to set up Nadal final

Rafael Nadal handed rising star Stefanos Tsitsipas a tennis lesson Thursday as he drubbed him 6-2, 6-4, 6-0 in the Australian Open semi-final.

Greek 14th seed Tsitsipas had enjoyed a fairytale run to his first Grand Slam last four, including a win over Roger Federer, but found Nadal in ruthless form as he won in 1hr 46min.

The Spanish second seed has not dropped his serve for an astonishing 63 straight games and has not lost a set on his way to the final, where he will face either Novak Djokovic or Lucas Pouille.

"It's been a great match, a great tournament," Nadal said after a breathtaking display of almost perfect tennis.&nbsp;

"I think I have played very well every day. After a lot of months without playing is probably this court, this crowd it gives me that unbelievable energy."

The 20-year-old Tsitsipas had been hailed as a new Greek god of tennis after beating Federer, but his ascent to the summit of his personal Olympus was comprehensively halted by the colossus called Nadal.

Nadal's win put him into his fifth Australian Open final and keeps him on course to become the first man to win all four Grand Slams twice in the Open era if he can add to his sole Melbourne Park crown in 2009.

Tsitsipas, in just his second Australian Open and seventh appearance at a Grand Slam, was looking to become the first Greek player -- man or woman -- to reach a final in a major.

"He has everything to become a multi-Grand Slam champion," Nadal said of the young Greek, who enjoyed a breakthrough 2018, winning the ATP Tour NextGen Finals.

"When at that age he is in the semi-finals that says a lot of good things about him and winning the matches that he won already, so, yeah, I hope to face him in important rounds in the next couple of years, hopefully."

Nadal, who shattered the dreams of two other NextGen stars 19-year-old&nbsp;Alex de Minaur&nbsp;and 21-year-old Frances Tiafoe by jumping all over their serves early, made another immediate statement.

At 1-1 a rasping double-handed backhand and a forehand winner gave him a first break point which the Spaniard duly converted.

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He came into <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AusOpen?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AusOpen</a> under an injury cloud. 
 
Many people doubted him. 
 
But <a href="https://twitter.com/RafaelNadal?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@RafaelNadal</a> is now in the final &amp; looking for an 18th Grand Slam trophy. <a href="https://t.co/V9OKpl7ej8">pic.twitter.com/V9OKpl7ej8</a>
— #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) <a href="https://twitter.com/AustralianOpen/status/1088389383575781378?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 24, 2019</a></blockquote>
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"No, they don't need any message. They are good and they are improving every month."<a href="https://twitter.com/RafaelNadal?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@RafaelNadal</a> gives a classy message to the younger generation 🙏<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AusOpen?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AusOpen</a> <a href="https://t.co/YbQNBRKnPH">pic.twitter.com/YbQNBRKnPH</a>
— #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) <a href="https://twitter.com/AustralianOpen/status/1088386706406019072?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 24, 2019</a></blockquote>
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Outrageous winner

With the pressure mounting, Tsitsipas tried to hammer his way out of trouble at 4-2 down by going for huge serves.&nbsp;

Two double faults were the result and with his strategy being scrambled, an ill-advised drop shot gave the rapidly advancing Nadal an easy kill to extend his advantage to 5-2 before serving out the set in just 31 minutes.

The second stanza was on serve at 2-2 when Nadal pulled off the shot of the tournament, a running forehand around the net post from almost behind the umpire's chair on his way to earning three break points.&nbsp;

This time the early break did not come as Tsitsipas suddenly found his first serve accuracy when he needed it most and crucially clung on to hold with an ace.

But at 4-4 he was in trouble again as Nadal swarmed all over him and took the break and again served for a two-set cushion after just 75 minutes of play.

And the great Spaniard was in no mood to hang about at the start of the third, breaking Tsitsipas not once but three times to inflict a humiliating 6-0 "bagel" on the youngster in a further 31 minutes.

The second break came with the help of another outrageous forehand winner after being wrong-footed, a dreamy lob winner followed by a tricky backpedalling overhead smash made to look ridiculously easy.

Rafael Nadal handed rising star Stefanos Tsitsipas a tennis lesson Thursday as he drubbed him 6-2, 6-4, 6-0 in the Australian Open semi-final. Greek 14th seed Tsitsipas had enjoyed a fairytale run to his first Grand Slam last four, including a win over Roger Federer, but found Nadal in ruthless form as he won in 1hr 46min.

Rafael Nadal handed rising star Stefanos Tsitsipas a tennis lesson Thursday as he drubbed him 6-2, 6-4, 6-0 in the Australian Open semi-final. Greek 14th seed Tsitsipas had enjoyed a fairytale run to his first Grand Slam last four, including a win over Roger Federer, but found Nadal in ruthless form as he won in 1hr 46min. The Spanish second seed has not dropped his serve for an astonishing 63 straight games and has not lost a set on his way to the final, where he will face either Novak Djokovic or Lucas Pouille. "It's been a great match, a great tournament," Nadal said after a breathtaking display of almost perfect tennis. "I think I have played very well every day. After a lot of months without playing is probably this court, this crowd it gives me that unbelievable energy." The 20-year-old Tsitsipas had been hailed as a new Greek god of tennis after beating Federer, but his ascent to the summit of his personal Olympus was comprehensively halted by the colossus called Nadal. Nadal's win put him into his fifth Australian Open final and keeps him on course to become the first man to win all four Grand Slams twice in the Open era if he can add to his sole Melbourne Park crown in 2009. Tsitsipas, in just his second Australian Open and seventh appearance at a Grand Slam, was looking to become the first Greek player -- man or woman -- to reach a final in a major. "He has everything to become a multi-Grand Slam champion," Nadal said of the young Greek, who enjoyed a breakthrough 2018, winning the ATP Tour NextGen Finals. "When at that age he is in the semi-finals that says a lot of good things about him and winning the matches that he won already, so, yeah, I hope to face him in important rounds in the next couple of years, hopefully." Nadal, who shattered the dreams of two other NextGen stars 19-year-old Alex de Minaur and 21-year-old Frances Tiafoe by jumping all over their serves early, made another immediate statement. At 1-1 a rasping double-handed backhand and a forehand winner gave him a first break point which the Spaniard duly converted. He came into #AusOpen under an injury cloud. Many people doubted him. But @RafaelNadal is now in the final & looking for an 18th Grand Slam trophy. pic.twitter.com/V9OKpl7ej8 — #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) January 24, 2019 × "No, they don't need any message. They are good and they are improving every month."@RafaelNadal gives a classy message to the younger generation 🙏#AusOpen pic.twitter.com/YbQNBRKnPH — #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) January 24, 2019 × Outrageous winner With the pressure mounting, Tsitsipas tried to hammer his way out of trouble at 4-2 down by going for huge serves. Two double faults were the result and with his strategy being scrambled, an ill-advised drop shot gave the rapidly advancing Nadal an easy kill to extend his advantage to 5-2 before serving out the set in just 31 minutes. The second stanza was on serve at 2-2 when Nadal pulled off the shot of the tournament, a running forehand around the net post from almost behind the umpire's chair on his way to earning three break points. This time the early break did not come as Tsitsipas suddenly found his first serve accuracy when he needed it most and crucially clung on to hold with an ace. But at 4-4 he was in trouble again as Nadal swarmed all over him and took the break and again served for a two-set cushion after just 75 minutes of play. And the great Spaniard was in no mood to hang about at the start of the third, breaking Tsitsipas not once but three times to inflict a humiliating 6-0 "bagel" on the youngster in a further 31 minutes. The second break came with the help of another outrageous forehand winner after being wrong-footed, a dreamy lob winner followed by a tricky backpedalling overhead smash made to look ridiculously easy.

Rafael Nadal races to Australian Open final, beats Stefanos Tsitsipas

Rafa Nadal kept the flag flying for the old guard at the Australian Open with a 6-3 6-4 6-2 win over American Frances Tiafoe on Tuesday for a place in the semi-finals where he will meet another next generation player in Stefanos Tsitsipas.

Nadal's match against Tiafoe, who turned 21 on Sunday, was billed as an intriguing clash of generations after Roger Federer's loss to Tsitsipas, but the second seed was ruthless as he reached the last four without dropping a set.

The 17-times Grand Slam champion broke Tiafoe's first service game in each set and with a second break in the third set wrapped up victory in an hour and 47 minutes.

"I felt having the break at the beginning of every set, that gave me a lot of confidence. Then I was serving well, playing solid," Nadal told reporters.

Nadal was forced to retire hurt in the fifth set of last year's quarter-final against eventual finalist Marin Cilic, eight years after pulling out midway through his last-eight clash against Andy Murray with a knee injury.

"It's very emotional for me to be back in the semi-final in Melbourne," Nadal said on court. "I had some troubles in this event all my career.

"To be back to the semi-final without playing for a while means everything to me. So I just want to say thank you very, very much everybody. Great feelings, to be able to play in this court is always so special.

"And of course I'm very happy with the way I played tonight."

Doubts about his ability to withstand seven matches on hardcourts were reinforced when he retired in the U.S. Open semi-final against Juan Martin del Potro last year. His season also ended early with ankle surgery and an abdominal injury.

REMODELLED SERVE

Nadal is leaving no stone unturned in Melbourne to win another major and has brought a remodelled serve aimed at generating more pace which once again worked effectively on Tuesday.

His serve was only threatened in the fourth game of the second set but the Spaniard, who is bidding to become the first man in the Open Era, and only the third man ever, to win each of the four Grand Slams twice, saved both breakpoints he faced.

Tiafoe, the son of immigrants from Sierra Leone, was content with his performance and said it was an "unbelievable" experience on Rod Laver Arena.

"I knew he was going to bring crazy intensity, I knew the ball was going to be jumping. I knew if he got hold of a forehand, it was going to be barbecued chicken," Tiafoe said.

"But point in, point out, I've never seen someone so locked in."

For a place in the final, Nadal will meet 20-year-old Greek sensation Tsitsipas, who earlier on Tuesday became his country's first player to reach the last four at a major with a 7-5 4-6 6-4 7-6(2) triumph over Spaniard Roberto Bautista Agut.

After destroying Alex de Minaur, the highly-regarded 19-year-old local, in straight sets in the third round and Tiafoe in the last eight, Tsitsipas will be the latest youngster to test Nadal.

"When you face these young players, they are in permanent improvement. He's with confidence. He won a lot of good matches. Will be a tough one," Nadal said.

"For me is always the same: you are in the semi-finals of a Grand Slam, you can't expect an easy opponent. Stefanos is one of the best players of the world.

"To have the chance to be in that final, I need to play my best, and that's what I am looking for."

Rafa Nadal kept the flag flying for the old guard at the Australian Open with a 6-3 6-4 6-2 win over American Frances Tiafoe on Tuesday for a place in the semi-finals where he will meet another next generation player in Stefanos Tsitsipas.

Rafa Nadal kept the flag flying for the old guard at the Australian Open with a 6-3 6-4 6-2 win over American Frances Tiafoe on Tuesday for a place in the semi-finals where he will meet another next generation player in Stefanos Tsitsipas. Nadal's match against Tiafoe, who turned 21 on Sunday, was billed as an intriguing clash of generations after Roger Federer's loss to Tsitsipas, but the second seed was ruthless as he reached the last four without dropping a set. The 17-times Grand Slam champion broke Tiafoe's first service game in each set and with a second break in the third set wrapped up victory in an hour and 47 minutes. "I felt having the break at the beginning of every set, that gave me a lot of confidence. Then I was serving well, playing solid," Nadal told reporters. Nadal was forced to retire hurt in the fifth set of last year's quarter-final against eventual finalist Marin Cilic, eight years after pulling out midway through his last-eight clash against Andy Murray with a knee injury. "It's very emotional for me to be back in the semi-final in Melbourne," Nadal said on court. "I had some troubles in this event all my career. "To be back to the semi-final without playing for a while means everything to me. So I just want to say thank you very, very much everybody. Great feelings, to be able to play in this court is always so special. "And of course I'm very happy with the way I played tonight." Doubts about his ability to withstand seven matches on hardcourts were reinforced when he retired in the U.S. Open semi-final against Juan Martin del Potro last year. His season also ended early with ankle surgery and an abdominal injury. REMODELLED SERVE Nadal is leaving no stone unturned in Melbourne to win another major and has brought a remodelled serve aimed at generating more pace which once again worked effectively on Tuesday. His serve was only threatened in the fourth game of the second set but the Spaniard, who is bidding to become the first man in the Open Era, and only the third man ever, to win each of the four Grand Slams twice, saved both breakpoints he faced. Tiafoe, the son of immigrants from Sierra Leone, was content with his performance and said it was an "unbelievable" experience on Rod Laver Arena. "I knew he was going to bring crazy intensity, I knew the ball was going to be jumping. I knew if he got hold of a forehand, it was going to be barbecued chicken," Tiafoe said. "But point in, point out, I've never seen someone so locked in." For a place in the final, Nadal will meet 20-year-old Greek sensation Tsitsipas, who earlier on Tuesday became his country's first player to reach the last four at a major with a 7-5 4-6 6-4 7-6(2) triumph over Spaniard Roberto Bautista Agut. After destroying Alex de Minaur, the highly-regarded 19-year-old local, in straight sets in the third round and Tiafoe in the last eight, Tsitsipas will be the latest youngster to test Nadal. "When you face these young players, they are in permanent improvement. He's with confidence. He won a lot of good matches. Will be a tough one," Nadal said. "For me is always the same: you are in the semi-finals of a Grand Slam, you can't expect an easy opponent. Stefanos is one of the best players of the world. "To have the chance to be in that final, I need to play my best, and that's what I am looking for."

Australian Open: Ruthless Nadal sees off Tiafoe to cruise into last four

In pics: Day 7 highlights of Australian Open

Rafael Nadal routed Tomas Berdych 6-0 6-1 7-6(4) in a centre court masterclass to charge into the quarter-finals of the Australian Open on Sunday.

The 2009 champion was relentless at Rod Laver Arena, claiming the first two sets in an astonishing 51 minutes and firing 32 winners past the hapless Czech to reach the last eight at Melbourne Park for the 11th time.

Spaniard Nadal, who avenged his defeat to the former world number four in the quarter-final of the 2015 tournament, sealed the win on his first match point when the Czech hammered into the net.

Bidding for an 18th Grand Slam title, second seed Nadal will play unseeded American Frances Tiafoe for a place in the semi-finals.

Rafael Nadal routed Tomas Berdych 6-0 6-1 7-6(4) in a centre court masterclass to charge into the quarter-finals of the Australian Open on Sunday. The 2009 champion was relentless at Rod Laver Arena, claiming the first two sets in an astonishing 51 minutes and firing 32 winners past the hapless Czech to reach the last eight at Melbourne Park for the 11th time.

Rafael Nadal routed Tomas Berdych 6-0 6-1 7-6(4) in a centre court masterclass to charge into the quarter-finals of the Australian Open on Sunday. The 2009 champion was relentless at Rod Laver Arena, claiming the first two sets in an astonishing 51 minutes and firing 32 winners past the hapless Czech to reach the last eight at Melbourne Park for the 11th time. Spaniard Nadal, who avenged his defeat to the former world number four in the quarter-final of the 2015 tournament, sealed the win on his first match point when the Czech hammered into the net. Bidding for an 18th Grand Slam title, second seed Nadal will play unseeded American Frances Tiafoe for a place in the semi-finals.

Australian Open: Rafael Nadal routs Czech Republic's Berdych to reach quarter-finals

Rafael Nadal subdued Alex de Minaur 6-1 6-2 6-4 in their third round clash at the Australian Open on Friday after dominating the home town's top-ranked male player.

The second seed comfortably controlled baseline exchanges, forcing the young Australian to take ever greater risks to compete with the 17 times Grand Slam champion.

Nadal will play Tomas Berdych in the fourth round.

Rafael Nadal subdued Alex de Minaur 6-1 6-2 6-4 in their third round clash at the Australian Open on Friday after dominating the home town's top-ranked male player.

Rafael Nadal subdued Alex de Minaur 6-1 6-2 6-4 in their third round clash at the Australian Open on Friday after dominating the home town's top-ranked male player. The second seed comfortably controlled baseline exchanges, forcing the young Australian to take ever greater risks to compete with the 17 times Grand Slam champion. Nadal will play Tomas Berdych in the fourth round.

Australian Open: Nadal subdues local hope de Minaur in third round clash

In pics: Highlights of Day 3 of the Australian Open

Roger Federer has given cold comfort to the next generation of men's players hoping for Grand Slam glory, saying he, Novak Djokovic and Rafa Nadal are still deserving favourites to claim the game's biggest trophies.&nbsp;

The top three seeds at Melbourne Park raffled all four of the majors between them last year, with Federer winning his sixth Australian Open, Nadal claiming his 11th French Open and world number one Djokovic sweeping Wimbledon and the US&nbsp;Open.&nbsp;

The Swiss master is bidding for his 21st Grand Slam crown and a hat-trick of Melbourne titles this year, and he sailed into the third round on Wednesday with a straight sets win over British qualifier Dan Evans.

Before the tournament, top seed Djokovic declared the three should be favourites to win the Slams, and Federer agreed when asked after his Evans match.

"Yes, I guess so," the third seed told reporters.

"I mean, look, I think we know how to win Slams, Novak, Rafa, myself. I mean, Rafa has to be the number one favourite, I don't care how he feels, before the French.

"Novak is always a favourite on the hard courts, basically any court if he's feeling 100 percent, if he plays like last year.

"Maybe just because of my amount of titles I have at Wimbledon and other places, maybe also have to put me in the mix every time, as well."

The last time a player not named Federer, Djokovic or Nadal won a Grand Slam was at the 2016 US&nbsp;Open where Swiss Stan Wawrinka claimed his third Grand Slam trophy.

Pundits have decried the younger generation's failure to break into the Grand Slam cartel enjoyed by the old guard but have some tipped change at the top this year.

The 21-year-old Alexander Zverev, who claimed the ATP Tour Finals and is seeded fourth in Melbourne, is often touted as the player most likely to upset the apple cart but has only a solitary Grand Slam quarter-final to his name, at Roland Garros last year.

"There are other guys, no doubt about it," said 37-year-old Federer, who will play American Taylor Fritz in the third round.

"I think also with Sascha (Zverev) holding the World Tour Finals, I think it's fair to say that even though he has not ripped through those Slams yet, he will go deep this year definitely at one of them.

"Maybe even here. We'll see."

Roger Federer has given cold comfort to the next generation of men's players hoping for Grand Slam glory, saying he, Novak Djokovic and Rafa Nadal are still deserving favourites to claim the game's biggest trophies.

Roger Federer has given cold comfort to the next generation of men's players hoping for Grand Slam glory, saying he, Novak Djokovic and Rafa Nadal are still deserving favourites to claim the game's biggest trophies. The top three seeds at Melbourne Park raffled all four of the majors between them last year, with Federer winning his sixth Australian Open, Nadal claiming his 11th French Open and world number one Djokovic sweeping Wimbledon and the US Open. The Swiss master is bidding for his 21st Grand Slam crown and a hat-trick of Melbourne titles this year, and he sailed into the third round on Wednesday with a straight sets win over British qualifier Dan Evans. Before the tournament, top seed Djokovic declared the three should be favourites to win the Slams, and Federer agreed when asked after his Evans match. "Yes, I guess so," the third seed told reporters. "I mean, look, I think we know how to win Slams, Novak, Rafa, myself. I mean, Rafa has to be the number one favourite, I don't care how he feels, before the French. "Novak is always a favourite on the hard courts, basically any court if he's feeling 100 percent, if he plays like last year. "Maybe just because of my amount of titles I have at Wimbledon and other places, maybe also have to put me in the mix every time, as well." The last time a player not named Federer, Djokovic or Nadal won a Grand Slam was at the 2016 US Open where Swiss Stan Wawrinka claimed his third Grand Slam trophy. Pundits have decried the younger generation's failure to break into the Grand Slam cartel enjoyed by the old guard but have some tipped change at the top this year. The 21-year-old Alexander Zverev, who claimed the ATP Tour Finals and is seeded fourth in Melbourne, is often touted as the player most likely to upset the apple cart but has only a solitary Grand Slam quarter-final to his name, at Roland Garros last year. "There are other guys, no doubt about it," said 37-year-old Federer, who will play American Taylor Fritz in the third round. "I think also with Sascha (Zverev) holding the World Tour Finals, I think it's fair to say that even though he has not ripped through those Slams yet, he will go deep this year definitely at one of them. "Maybe even here. We'll see."

Djokovic, Nadal and I know how to win Grand Slams: Roger Federer

A dominant Rafael Nadal overwhelmed Australia's Matthew Ebden in straight sets to reach the third round of the Australian Open on Wednesday and stay on track for an 18th Grand Slam title.&nbsp;

The Spaniard, who cut short his 2018 season to have surgery on a foot injury, raced through the tie in just 116 minutes.&nbsp;

The 32-year-old's newly remodelled serve only briefly came under pressure from Ebden, 31, who enjoyed vociferous home support on Rod Laver Arena before losing 6-3, 6-2, 6-2.&nbsp;

The Australian forced three break points at 3-2 in the first set, but could convert none before the second seed reeled off four games in a row to close it out in 35 minutes.&nbsp;

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"If things are working, don't change it." 
 
Life lessons with <a href="https://twitter.com/RafaelNadal?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@RafaelNadal</a> 💬<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AusOpen?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AusOpen</a> <a href="https://t.co/YpqopxICN4">pic.twitter.com/YpqopxICN4</a>
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It was one-way traffic from then on as Nadal, sporting a trademark sleeveless shirt, cruised into the last 32.

"I played a solid match, I was happy with the way I served. I did a few things very well," said Nadal, who next plays Australian 27th seed Alex de Minaur. "It is an honour to play here. Was a great atmosphere."

Nadal pulled out of his Brisbane warm-up event two weeks ago with a thigh strain but showed no sign of the injury woes that saw him limp out of both the Australian Open and US Open last year.

"I don't know if it's that good," said Nadal modestly after a dominant performance. "I just came back from injury so it is not easy to evaluate yet."

He is bidding to become the first man in the Open era, and only third in history along with Roy Emerson and Rod Laver, to win each Grand Slam on two or more occasions.

A dominant Rafael Nadal overwhelmed Australia's Matthew Ebden in straight sets to reach the third round of the Australian Open on Wednesday and stay on track for an 18th Grand Slam title.

A dominant Rafael Nadal overwhelmed Australia's Matthew Ebden in straight sets to reach the third round of the Australian Open on Wednesday and stay on track for an 18th Grand Slam title. The Spaniard, who cut short his 2018 season to have surgery on a foot injury, raced through the tie in just 116 minutes. The 32-year-old's newly remodelled serve only briefly came under pressure from Ebden, 31, who enjoyed vociferous home support on Rod Laver Arena before losing 6-3, 6-2, 6-2. The Australian forced three break points at 3-2 in the first set, but could convert none before the second seed reeled off four games in a row to close it out in 35 minutes. "If things are working, don't change it." Life lessons with @RafaelNadal 💬#AusOpen pic.twitter.com/YpqopxICN4 — #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) January 16, 2019 × It was one-way traffic from then on as Nadal, sporting a trademark sleeveless shirt, cruised into the last 32. "I played a solid match, I was happy with the way I served. I did a few things very well," said Nadal, who next plays Australian 27th seed Alex de Minaur. "It is an honour to play here. Was a great atmosphere." Nadal pulled out of his Brisbane warm-up event two weeks ago with a thigh strain but showed no sign of the injury woes that saw him limp out of both the Australian Open and US Open last year. "I don't know if it's that good," said Nadal modestly after a dominant performance. "I just came back from injury so it is not easy to evaluate yet." He is bidding to become the first man in the Open era, and only third in history along with Roy Emerson and Rod Laver, to win each Grand Slam on two or more occasions.

Rafael Nadal overwhelms Aussie Matthew Ebden to enter 3rd round

Rafael Nadal made a winning return to tennis with a first-round victory over James Duckworth at the Australian Open on Monday.

The 2009 Australian Open champion defeated Duckworth in straight sets, 6-4, 6-3, 7-5 in hot conditions on Rod Laver Arena.

The Spaniard had not played an ATP Tour match since being forced to withdraw from his US Open semi-final because of a knee injury last September.

After an abdominal problem and ankle surgery ended his season early, he pulled out of the tournament in Brisbane last week with a minor thigh strain.

The world No 2 began impressively to break Duckworth in the opening game of the match and eventually claim the first set in 39 minutes. The Australian, however, offered resistance in the second set when he secured a break of serve to establish a 2-0 lead.

Nadal, a 17-time major winner, broke back immediately with games soon going back on serve, before he gained two more breaks to move ahead two sets to love.

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Rafa's back! 
 
In his 1⃣4⃣th appearance at the <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AusOpen?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AusOpen</a>, <a href="https://twitter.com/RafaelNadal?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@RafaelNadal</a> gets his 2019 campaign underway, def. James Duckworth 6-4 6-3 7-5. <a href="https://t.co/egIaN204qE">pic.twitter.com/egIaN204qE</a>
— #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) <a href="https://twitter.com/AustralianOpen/status/1084661548725850112?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 14, 2019</a></blockquote>
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"It's not easy to come back after a lot of months, and especially against a player who's super aggressive. 'I'm very, very happy to be through," Nadal said in an on-court interview.&nbsp;

He will next play either another Australian Matthew Ebden or Germany's Jan-Lennard Struff who face off later on Monday. 
&nbsp;

Rafael Nadal made a winning return to tennis with a first-round victory over James Duckworth at the Australian Open on Monday. The 2009 Australian Open champion defeated Duckworth in straight sets, 6-4, 6-3, 7-5 in hot conditions on Rod Laver Arena.

Rafael Nadal made a winning return to tennis with a first-round victory over James Duckworth at the Australian Open on Monday. The 2009 Australian Open champion defeated Duckworth in straight sets, 6-4, 6-3, 7-5 in hot conditions on Rod Laver Arena. The Spaniard had not played an ATP Tour match since being forced to withdraw from his US Open semi-final because of a knee injury last September. After an abdominal problem and ankle surgery ended his season early, he pulled out of the tournament in Brisbane last week with a minor thigh strain. The world No 2 began impressively to break Duckworth in the opening game of the match and eventually claim the first set in 39 minutes. The Australian, however, offered resistance in the second set when he secured a break of serve to establish a 2-0 lead. Nadal, a 17-time major winner, broke back immediately with games soon going back on serve, before he gained two more breaks to move ahead two sets to love. Rafa's back! In his 1⃣4⃣th appearance at the #AusOpen, @RafaelNadal gets his 2019 campaign underway, def. James Duckworth 6-4 6-3 7-5. pic.twitter.com/egIaN204qE — #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) January 14, 2019 × "It's not easy to come back after a lot of months, and especially against a player who's super aggressive. 'I'm very, very happy to be through," Nadal said in an on-court interview. He will next play either another Australian Matthew Ebden or Germany's Jan-Lennard Struff who face off later on Monday.

Australian Open: Rafael Nadal roars past James Duckworth to enter 2nd round

In pics: Day 1 highlights of Australian Open

Who will win the Australian Open? This is what 'Player DNA' says

Spain's tennis star<a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/australia-open-rafael-nadal-roars-past-james-duckworth-to-enter-2nd-round-190137"> Rafael Nadal defeated James Duckworth</a> 6-4, 6-3, 7-5 to make a winning start at this year's Australian Open.&nbsp;

While speaking to media at his post-match news conference, Nadal stopped listening to a journalist's question and pulled a hilarious face when he caught a sleeping journalist.&nbsp;

On spotting the napping journalist, Nadal asked, "It's not interesting today?"&nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="http://www.wionews.com/photos/who-will-win-the-australian-open-this-is-what-the-dna-says-190006">Who will win the Australian Open? This is what the DNA says</a>

Nadal, who played his first ATP Tour match after withdrawing from the US Open semi-finals last September with a knee injury, was in a good mood after the comfortable first-round win at Rod Laver Arena.&nbsp;

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A journalist was sleeping during Rafael Nadal's post-match press conference. 
 
Nadal's reaction: 👇🏾😂<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AusOpen?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AusOpen</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/SleepIsForTheWeak?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#SleepIsForTheWeak</a> <a href="https://t.co/dFf8yCWpie">pic.twitter.com/dFf8yCWpie</a>
— Biola Omowanle (@Beeorlicious) <a href="https://twitter.com/Beeorlicious/status/1084713966620852224?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 14, 2019</a></blockquote>
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He suggested one possible reason for the journalist's appearance, "I know who you must focus on, closing your eyes to be more focused on what I'm saying."&nbsp;

Second-seeded Nadal will meet Australia's Matthew Ebden in the second round.&nbsp;

Spain's tennis star Rafael Nadal defeated James Duckworth 6-4, 6-3, 7-5 to make a winning start at this year's Australian Open. While speaking to media at his post-match news conference, Nadal stopped listening to a journalist's question and pulled a hilarious face when he caught a sleeping journalist.

Spain's tennis star Rafael Nadal defeated James Duckworth 6-4, 6-3, 7-5 to make a winning start at this year's Australian Open. While speaking to media at his post-match news conference, Nadal stopped listening to a journalist's question and pulled a hilarious face when he caught a sleeping journalist. On spotting the napping journalist, Nadal asked, "It's not interesting today?" Also Read: Who will win the Australian Open? This is what the DNA says Nadal, who played his first ATP Tour match after withdrawing from the US Open semi-finals last September with a knee injury, was in a good mood after the comfortable first-round win at Rod Laver Arena. A journalist was sleeping during Rafael Nadal's post-match press conference. Nadal's reaction: 👇🏾😂#AusOpen #SleepIsForTheWeak pic.twitter.com/dFf8yCWpie — Biola Omowanle (@Beeorlicious) January 14, 2019 × He suggested one possible reason for the journalist's appearance, "I know who you must focus on, closing your eyes to be more focused on what I'm saying." Second-seeded Nadal will meet Australia's Matthew Ebden in the second round.

Australian Open: Rafael Nadal wins, journalist sleeps at press conference, watch what happens

Rafael Nadal wants to make a little go a long way in 2019. The No. 2-ranked Nadal, in Brisbane preparing to play his first competitive match since retiring from the U.S. Open semifinals last September, found some positives out of an injury-interrupted season that he wants to apply to this year.

"I want to feel myself competitive every week that I am on court and I want to keep fighting for the things that really make me feel alive, you know, for the things that motivate me," Nadal told a news conference Tuesday at the Brisbane International.&nbsp;"Be competitive all the weeks that I am playing."&nbsp;

That doesn't mean he wants to play every week. It just means he's going to be a lot more selective. Based on results in 2018 he entered nine tournaments, retired from two but still won five titles and had a 45-4 win-loss record&nbsp;the 32-year-old Spaniard has an outstanding success rate when he's fit.

So regaining the No. 1 ranking is far less of a priority than adding to his 17 major titles.

"I prefer to be No. 1 than be No. 2, and I prefer to be No. 2 than No. 5. That's obvious," he said.&nbsp;

"But my main goal is to stay healthy, stay happy and try to play as long as possible."&nbsp;

Nadal is scheduled to play Jo-Wilfried Tsonga in the second round in Brisbane on Thursday. He said he plans to be "on court with a positive feeling," but only if he's feeling fit. The Australian Open starts Jan. 14.

"After the surgeries, I don't want to step back. I want to move forward," he said.&nbsp;

"After all I suffered last year in terms of injuries, I don't want to do mistakes in terms of playing without being 100 per cent."&nbsp;

A right knee injury forced Nadal to retire from his U.S. Open semifinal, and he had ankle surgery at the start of November. He also missed big chunks of previous seasons because of injuries but doesn't think his body is letting him down.

"I really believe that I keep having tennis to play in my career, and I really feel that my body is not going worse every year," he said.

He said injuries, "just sometimes happen." But he is also clear that he does not want to suffer the way he did last season.

"That mentally kills you," he said.

Consequently, he'll keep his physical condition in mind more than he has before. And 2018 will be his benchmark.

"I won five events out of nine that I played," he said.&nbsp;

"It was a great level of tennis every time that I was on court. So that's great news. I enjoyed it a lot. I achieved things that were amazing for me. So, yeah, tough year in terms of injuries. (But) in terms of tennis level, enjoying every time I had the chance to be on court, it was a great year."

Rafael Nadal wants to make a little go a long way in 2019. The No. 2-ranked Nadal, in Brisbane preparing to play his first competitive match since retiring from the U.

Rafael Nadal wants to make a little go a long way in 2019. The No. 2-ranked Nadal, in Brisbane preparing to play his first competitive match since retiring from the U.S. Open semifinals last September, found some positives out of an injury-interrupted season that he wants to apply to this year. "I want to feel myself competitive every week that I am on court and I want to keep fighting for the things that really make me feel alive, you know, for the things that motivate me," Nadal told a news conference Tuesday at the Brisbane International. "Be competitive all the weeks that I am playing." That doesn't mean he wants to play every week. It just means he's going to be a lot more selective. Based on results in 2018 he entered nine tournaments, retired from two but still won five titles and had a 45-4 win-loss record the 32-year-old Spaniard has an outstanding success rate when he's fit. So regaining the No. 1 ranking is far less of a priority than adding to his 17 major titles. "I prefer to be No. 1 than be No. 2, and I prefer to be No. 2 than No. 5. That's obvious," he said. "But my main goal is to stay healthy, stay happy and try to play as long as possible." Nadal is scheduled to play Jo-Wilfried Tsonga in the second round in Brisbane on Thursday. He said he plans to be "on court with a positive feeling," but only if he's feeling fit. The Australian Open starts Jan. 14. "After the surgeries, I don't want to step back. I want to move forward," he said. "After all I suffered last year in terms of injuries, I don't want to do mistakes in terms of playing without being 100 per cent." A right knee injury forced Nadal to retire from his U.S. Open semifinal, and he had ankle surgery at the start of November. He also missed big chunks of previous seasons because of injuries but doesn't think his body is letting him down. "I really believe that I keep having tennis to play in my career, and I really feel that my body is not going worse every year," he said. He said injuries, "just sometimes happen." But he is also clear that he does not want to suffer the way he did last season. "That mentally kills you," he said. Consequently, he'll keep his physical condition in mind more than he has before. And 2018 will be his benchmark. "I won five events out of nine that I played," he said. "It was a great level of tennis every time that I was on court. So that's great news. I enjoyed it a lot. I achieved things that were amazing for me. So, yeah, tough year in terms of injuries. (But) in terms of tennis level, enjoying every time I had the chance to be on court, it was a great year."

Rafael Nadal's plan for 2019 revolves around quality, not quantity

Spaniard Rafael Nadal will team up with perennial rival Roger Federer for the third edition of the <a href="http://www.wionews.com/search?q=laver+cup">Laver Cup</a> in Geneva next year.

The team event featuring the best of Europe against a World team will be taking place for the third time, with Nadal and Federer also teammates in the inaugural match in 2017.

Team Europe non-playing captain Bjorn Borg said having Nadal and Federer was a boost for the September competition.

"It doesn't get much better for a captain than naming both Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal for the Laver Cup in Geneva," former world number one Borg said in a statement.

"Bringing together two of the greatest players, and rivals, the sport has ever seen together on one team is very exciting for our sport -- and will give us the best possible chance to win the Laver Cup three years in a row."

Federer and Nadal, first and second in the all-time list of men's Grand Slam winners with 20 and 16 respectively, won a doubles match together at the Laver Cup in Prague in 2017.

"I think we all underestimated how powerful it would be to see them sitting side by side, coaching each other and cheering each other on," Borg said.

Swiss Federer, one of the instigators of the event, said having Nadal in the team again after he missed this year's edition in Chicago due to injury was an exciting prospect.

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<a href="https://twitter.com/RafaelNadal?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@RafaelNadal</a> and <a href="https://twitter.com/rogerfederer?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@RogerFederer</a> have confirmed they will reunite for Team Europe’s 2019 Laver Cup campaign in Geneva <a href="https://t.co/Ecxqitp6L7">https://t.co/Ecxqitp6L7</a> 
 
Tickets will go on sale in early February. Register to receive updates <a href="https://t.co/cRx3rnYEqB">https://t.co/cRx3rnYEqB</a>
— Laver Cup (@LaverCup) <a href="https://twitter.com/LaverCup/status/1073222191271964673?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 13, 2018</a></blockquote>
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"We had a lot of fun in Prague and it will be very special for me to team up with him again in Switzerland to try and defend our title," Federer said.

Next year's match will take place on a black court inside Geneva's 17,000-seat Palexpo venue.

Spaniard Rafael Nadal will team up with perennial rival Roger Federer for the third edition of the Laver Cup in Geneva next year. The team event featuring the best of Europe against a World team will be taking place for the third time, with Nadal and Federer also teammates in the inaugural match in 2017.

Spaniard Rafael Nadal will team up with perennial rival Roger Federer for the third edition of the Laver Cup in Geneva next year. The team event featuring the best of Europe against a World team will be taking place for the third time, with Nadal and Federer also teammates in the inaugural match in 2017. Team Europe non-playing captain Bjorn Borg said having Nadal and Federer was a boost for the September competition. "It doesn't get much better for a captain than naming both Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal for the Laver Cup in Geneva," former world number one Borg said in a statement. "Bringing together two of the greatest players, and rivals, the sport has ever seen together on one team is very exciting for our sport -- and will give us the best possible chance to win the Laver Cup three years in a row." Federer and Nadal, first and second in the all-time list of men's Grand Slam winners with 20 and 16 respectively, won a doubles match together at the Laver Cup in Prague in 2017. "I think we all underestimated how powerful it would be to see them sitting side by side, coaching each other and cheering each other on," Borg said. Swiss Federer, one of the instigators of the event, said having Nadal in the team again after he missed this year's edition in Chicago due to injury was an exciting prospect. @RafaelNadal and @RogerFederer have confirmed they will reunite for Team Europe’s 2019 Laver Cup campaign in Geneva https://t.co/Ecxqitp6L7 Tickets will go on sale in early February. Register to receive updates https://t.co/cRx3rnYEqB — Laver Cup (@LaverCup) December 13, 2018 × "We had a lot of fun in Prague and it will be very special for me to team up with him again in Switzerland to try and defend our title," Federer said. Next year's match will take place on a black court inside Geneva's 17,000-seat Palexpo venue.

Rafael Nadal to join Roger Federer in 2019 Laver Cup

Tennis star Rafael Nadal pulled out of the Paris Masters after he failing to recover from an injury.&nbsp;His withdrawal guarantees Novak Djokovic's return to world number one spot.&nbsp;

Ahead of the start of the tournament, Nadal revealed that he has been recommended by the doctors not to play.&nbsp;

"My abdominal muscles haven't felt good for the past few days, especially on serve, doctors recommended that I didn't play," said Nadal.&nbsp;

Earlier, Nadal was forced to withdraw from his US Open semi-final against Juan Martin del Potro in early September with a knee injury.

The problem sidelined him for Spain's Davis Cup semi-final against France, and also from tournaments in Beijing and Shanghai. 
&nbsp;

Tennis star Rafael Nadal pulled out of the Paris Masters after he failing to recover from an injury. His withdrawal guarantees Novak Djokovic's return to world number one spot.

Tennis star Rafael Nadal pulled out of the Paris Masters after he failing to recover from an injury. His withdrawal guarantees Novak Djokovic's return to world number one spot. Ahead of the start of the tournament, Nadal revealed that he has been recommended by the doctors not to play. "My abdominal muscles haven't felt good for the past few days, especially on serve, doctors recommended that I didn't play," said Nadal. Earlier, Nadal was forced to withdraw from his US Open semi-final against Juan Martin del Potro in early September with a knee injury. The problem sidelined him for Spain's Davis Cup semi-final against France, and also from tournaments in Beijing and Shanghai.

Injured Rafael Nadal pulls out of Paris Masters, Djokovic to return to no. 1

Spain's Rafael Nadal retained the number one spot in the men's Association of Tennis Professionals (ATP) world singles rankings released on Monday with 7,660 points.&nbsp;

Novak Djokovic acquires the second position with 7445 points followed by Switzerland's Roger Federer 6,260.

In the Women's Tennis Association rankings, Simona Halep held on to her no. 1 slot despite her disc back injury that forced her to miss the WTA Finals, followed by Germany's Angelique Kerber 5,375.&nbsp;

Further down the rankings, Karen Khachanov of Russia jumped seven spots to the 19th after he won the Kremlin Cup title over France's Adrian Mannarino, who rose to the 44th.

The current top-10 ATP rankings:

1. Rafael Nadal (Spain) 7,660 Points

2. Novak Djokovic (Serbia) 7,445

3. Roger Federer (Switzerland) 6,260

4. Juan Martin del Potro (Argentina) 5,760

5. Alexander Zverev (Germany) 5,025

6. Marin Cilic (Croatia) 4,185

7. Dominic Thiem (Austria) 3,825

8. Kevin Anderson (South Africa) 3,730

9. John Isner (United States) 3,380

10. Grigor Dimitrov (Bulgaria) 3,335.

Germany's Kerber snatched the world No.2 position from Caroline Wozniacki of Denmark, dropping her to third, while Naomi Osaka of Japan remained world No.4.&nbsp;

The current WTA rankings and point scores are as follows:

1. Simona Halep (Romania) 6,921 points

2. Angelique Kerber (Germany) 5,375

3. Caroline Wozniacki (Denmark) 5,086

4. Naomi Osaka (Japan) 4,740

5. Petra Kvitova (Czech Republic) 4,255

6. Sloane Stephens (US) 3,943

7. Elina Svitolina (Ukraine) 3,850

8. Karolina Pliskova (Czech Republic) 3,840

9. Kiki Bertens (Netherlands) 3,710

10. Daria Kasatkina (Russia) 3,315

Spain's Rafael Nadal retained the number one spot in the men's Association of Tennis Professionals (ATP) world singles rankings released on Monday with 7,660 points.

Spain's Rafael Nadal retained the number one spot in the men's Association of Tennis Professionals (ATP) world singles rankings released on Monday with 7,660 points. Novak Djokovic acquires the second position with 7445 points followed by Switzerland's Roger Federer 6,260. In the Women's Tennis Association rankings, Simona Halep held on to her no. 1 slot despite her disc back injury that forced her to miss the WTA Finals, followed by Germany's Angelique Kerber 5,375. Further down the rankings, Karen Khachanov of Russia jumped seven spots to the 19th after he won the Kremlin Cup title over France's Adrian Mannarino, who rose to the 44th. The current top-10 ATP rankings: 1. Rafael Nadal (Spain) 7,660 Points 2. Novak Djokovic (Serbia) 7,445 3. Roger Federer (Switzerland) 6,260 4. Juan Martin del Potro (Argentina) 5,760 5. Alexander Zverev (Germany) 5,025 6. Marin Cilic (Croatia) 4,185 7. Dominic Thiem (Austria) 3,825 8. Kevin Anderson (South Africa) 3,730 9. John Isner (United States) 3,380 10. Grigor Dimitrov (Bulgaria) 3,335. Germany's Kerber snatched the world No.2 position from Caroline Wozniacki of Denmark, dropping her to third, while Naomi Osaka of Japan remained world No.4. The current WTA rankings and point scores are as follows: 1. Simona Halep (Romania) 6,921 points 2. Angelique Kerber (Germany) 5,375 3. Caroline Wozniacki (Denmark) 5,086 4. Naomi Osaka (Japan) 4,740 5. Petra Kvitova (Czech Republic) 4,255 6. Sloane Stephens (US) 3,943 7. Elina Svitolina (Ukraine) 3,850 8. Karolina Pliskova (Czech Republic) 3,840 9. Kiki Bertens (Netherlands) 3,710 10. Daria Kasatkina (Russia) 3,315

Tennis rankings: Rafael Nadal, Simona Halep retain top spots

Spain's <a href="http://www.wionews.com/search?title=rafael+nadal">Rafael Nadal</a> maintained the top spot of men's Association of Tennis Professionals world singles rankings released on Monday with 7,660 points.

Serbia's <a href="http://www.wionews.com/search?title=Novak+Djokovic">Novak Djokovic</a>, who has returned to his brutal best this season with Grand Slam wins at Wimbledon and US Open, climbed one spot up to the second after winning the Shanghai Masters title for the fourth time in a row on Sunday.

He is 215 points away from Nadal's position and warned that he is gunning for Rafael Nadal's world number one ranking.

"He warned that he is gunning for Rafael Nadal's world number one ranking after winning the title," said Djokovic.

Djokovic overtook Switzerland's <a href="http://www.wionews.com/search?title=roger+federer">Roger Federer</a> in the standings, pushing him down to third.

The rest of the top-10 remained unchanged, as Alexander Zverev of Germany stayed at No. 5, followed by Marin Cilic of Croatia.

Meanwhile, Australia's Matthew Ebden jumped 11 positions up to the 40th, after reaching the quarterfinals of the Asian tournament.

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The current top-10 ATP rankings and point scores are as follows:

1. Rafael Nadal (Spain) 7,660 points

2. Novak Djokovic (Serbia) 7,445

3. Roger Federer (Switzerland) 6,260

4. Juan Martin del Potro (Argentina) 5,860

5. Alexander Zverev (Germany) 5,025

6. Marin Cilic (Croatia) 4,185

7. Dominic Thiem (Austria) 3,825

8. Kevin Anderson (South Africa) 3,775

9. Grigor Dimitrov (Bulgaria) 3,440

10. John Isner (United States) 3,290.

Spain's Rafael Nadal maintained the top spot of men's Association of Tennis Professionals world singles rankings released on Monday with 7,660 points. Serbia's Novak Djokovic, who has returned to his brutal best this season with Grand Slam wins at Wimbledon and US Open, climbed one spot up to the second after winning the Shanghai Masters title for the fourth time in a row on Sunday.

Spain's Rafael Nadal maintained the top spot of men's Association of Tennis Professionals world singles rankings released on Monday with 7,660 points. Serbia's Novak Djokovic, who has returned to his brutal best this season with Grand Slam wins at Wimbledon and US Open, climbed one spot up to the second after winning the Shanghai Masters title for the fourth time in a row on Sunday. He is 215 points away from Nadal's position and warned that he is gunning for Rafael Nadal's world number one ranking. "He warned that he is gunning for Rafael Nadal's world number one ranking after winning the title," said Djokovic. Djokovic overtook Switzerland's Roger Federer in the standings, pushing him down to third. The rest of the top-10 remained unchanged, as Alexander Zverev of Germany stayed at No. 5, followed by Marin Cilic of Croatia. Meanwhile, Australia's Matthew Ebden jumped 11 positions up to the 40th, after reaching the quarterfinals of the Asian tournament. .@borna_coric is mover of the week after a run to the @SH_RolexMasters final. View Latest ATP Race To London: https://t.co/m5MT6dDjoU pic.twitter.com/N6seZcqllT — ATP World Tour (@ATPWorldTour) October 15, 2018 × The current top-10 ATP rankings and point scores are as follows: 1. Rafael Nadal (Spain) 7,660 points 2. Novak Djokovic (Serbia) 7,445 3. Roger Federer (Switzerland) 6,260 4. Juan Martin del Potro (Argentina) 5,860 5. Alexander Zverev (Germany) 5,025 6. Marin Cilic (Croatia) 4,185 7. Dominic Thiem (Austria) 3,825 8. Kevin Anderson (South Africa) 3,775 9. Grigor Dimitrov (Bulgaria) 3,440 10. John Isner (United States) 3,290.

Rafael Nadal holds top spot in ATP rankings, Djokovic in 2nd

Spanish Tennis star Rafael Nadal on Sunday defeated Australian seventh seed Dominic Thiem 6-4 6-3 6-2 to clinch the 11th French Open title at Roland Garros.

The Spaniard edged an intense opening set, tightening his grip in the second.

And he increased the tempo further, consigning Thiem to defeat in his first major final when the Austrian sent a return long.

Nadal is the only second player in history to win the same Grand Slam on 11 occasions after Margaret Court, who won 11 Australian Open titles between 1960 and 1973.

Nadal dropped his racquet at the baseline in celebration before turning to his box and raising both hands skywards.

The Spaniard had been the hot favourite to win the second Slam of the year, after warming up with three clay-court titles in Monte Carlo, Barcelona and Rome.

Thiem, who is playing in his first Grand Slam final, had very few answers to Nadal's brilliance.

Nadal is the only second player in history to win the same Grand Slam on 11 occasions

Spanish Tennis star Rafael Nadal on Sunday defeated Australian seventh seed Dominic Thiem 6-4 6-3 6-2 to clinch the 11th French Open title at Roland Garros. The Spaniard edged an intense opening set, tightening his grip in the second. And he increased the tempo further, consigning Thiem to defeat in his first major final when the Austrian sent a return long. Nadal is the only second player in history to win the same Grand Slam on 11 occasions after Margaret Court, who won 11 Australian Open titles between 1960 and 1973. Nadal dropped his racquet at the baseline in celebration before turning to his box and raising both hands skywards. The Spaniard had been the hot favourite to win the second Slam of the year, after warming up with three clay-court titles in Monte Carlo, Barcelona and Rome. Thiem, who is playing in his first Grand Slam final, had very few answers to Nadal's brilliance.

Rafael Nadal routs Dominic Thiem to clinch 11th French Open title

The 2018 French Open men's singles final is set, world number one Rafael Nadal will face Austrian Dominic Thiem on June 10, Sunday at Philippe-Chatrier.

Only two players have managed to beat Nadal at the French Open since he first bounded into Roland Garros in 2005 armed with a bulging left bicep, pirate pants and a pulverising brand of claycourt tennis the like of which had not been seen before.

Thirteen years on and his record next to the Bois de Boulogne stands at an incredible 85 wins and two losses.

The 86th win on Sunday will give the 32-year-old Spaniard an 11th French Open title -- a joint record for triumphs at a single Grand Slam along with Margaret Court who won 11 Australian Open trophies, albeit not all in the professional era.

It looks a daunting mission for the 24-year-old Thiem but not necessarily an impossible one.

He is the only player to beat Nadal on clay in the past two years -- in Rome last year and in Madrid last month -- and this season no other player, not even the undisputed claycourt king, can count as many match wins on the red dirt.

True, he was obliterated by Nadal in the semi-final 12 months ago but Thiem has added more aggression to his natural claycourt weapons, specifically the forehand, as he displayed when stunning Nadal in the Madrid quarter-final.

That win, according to three-times former champion Mats Wilander, should be all Thiem is thinking about when he prepares for Sunday's clash.

"Forget the 10 (French Open titles) and forget what happened last year, Thiem has to remember what happened in Madrid which is a title Nadal wants to win almost as much as the French," Wilander, Eurosport's chief analyst, told Reuters.

Wilander believes Thiem can worry Nadal if he is prepared to "take risks" like Diego Schwartzman did in the quarter-finals when he snapped the left-hander's run of 37 consecutive completed sets won at the French Open by snatching the opener.

If not, it will be Goodnight Vienna for the man with one of the best single-handed backhands in tennis.

"The only way to beat Rafa on clay is to take risks... to over-achieve you have to over-play and risk more than you feel comfortable doing," Wilander said.

"If Thiem can do that and build enough hope in the first hour, hour and a half, maybe get the first set he can make it physical like he did in Madrid. I'm not sure if Thiem and Rafa had a run in the Bois de Boulogne that Rafa would win.

"Thiem is an animal physically and in terms of hitting the ball hard on the forehand."

Plenty have gone in with sound tactical plans against the 16-times Grand Slam champion in Paris but when the forehand bombardment begins, the best-laid plans usually fall apart as was the case in Friday's semi-final when Nadal thrashed Juan Martin del Potro who many thought posed a credible threat.

"Rafa is a genius on clay, so far ahead tactically," Wilander said. "It's like he has a built-in coach in his mind. You can't tell what he's going to do before he does it, but when he does it, it all looks so obvious!"

Thiem is looking to become only the second Austrian player -- man or woman -- to win a Grand Slam title after Thomas Muster's French Open victory in 1995.

Nadal will retain the world number one ranking if he wins - but that will be the last thing on his mind.

The 2018 French Open men's singles final is set, world number one Rafael Nadal will face Austrian Dominic Thiem at Philippe-Chatrier

The 2018 French Open men's singles final is set, world number one Rafael Nadal will face Austrian Dominic Thiem on June 10, Sunday at Philippe-Chatrier. Only two players have managed to beat Nadal at the French Open since he first bounded into Roland Garros in 2005 armed with a bulging left bicep, pirate pants and a pulverising brand of claycourt tennis the like of which had not been seen before. Thirteen years on and his record next to the Bois de Boulogne stands at an incredible 85 wins and two losses. The 86th win on Sunday will give the 32-year-old Spaniard an 11th French Open title -- a joint record for triumphs at a single Grand Slam along with Margaret Court who won 11 Australian Open trophies, albeit not all in the professional era. It looks a daunting mission for the 24-year-old Thiem but not necessarily an impossible one. He is the only player to beat Nadal on clay in the past two years -- in Rome last year and in Madrid last month -- and this season no other player, not even the undisputed claycourt king, can count as many match wins on the red dirt. True, he was obliterated by Nadal in the semi-final 12 months ago but Thiem has added more aggression to his natural claycourt weapons, specifically the forehand, as he displayed when stunning Nadal in the Madrid quarter-final. That win, according to three-times former champion Mats Wilander, should be all Thiem is thinking about when he prepares for Sunday's clash. "Forget the 10 (French Open titles) and forget what happened last year, Thiem has to remember what happened in Madrid which is a title Nadal wants to win almost as much as the French," Wilander, Eurosport's chief analyst, told Reuters. Wilander believes Thiem can worry Nadal if he is prepared to "take risks" like Diego Schwartzman did in the quarter-finals when he snapped the left-hander's run of 37 consecutive completed sets won at the French Open by snatching the opener. If not, it will be Goodnight Vienna for the man with one of the best single-handed backhands in tennis. "The only way to beat Rafa on clay is to take risks... to over-achieve you have to over-play and risk more than you feel comfortable doing," Wilander said. "If Thiem can do that and build enough hope in the first hour, hour and a half, maybe get the first set he can make it physical like he did in Madrid. I'm not sure if Thiem and Rafa had a run in the Bois de Boulogne that Rafa would win. "Thiem is an animal physically and in terms of hitting the ball hard on the forehand." Plenty have gone in with sound tactical plans against the 16-times Grand Slam champion in Paris but when the forehand bombardment begins, the best-laid plans usually fall apart as was the case in Friday's semi-final when Nadal thrashed Juan Martin del Potro who many thought posed a credible threat. "Rafa is a genius on clay, so far ahead tactically," Wilander said. "It's like he has a built-in coach in his mind. You can't tell what he's going to do before he does it, but when he does it, it all looks so obvious!" Thiem is looking to become only the second Austrian player -- man or woman -- to win a Grand Slam title after Thomas Muster's French Open victory in 1995. Nadal will retain the world number one ranking if he wins - but that will be the last thing on his mind.

French Open: Dominic Thiem or Rafael Nadal? Who will win the men's singles final

Rafael Nadal demolishes Juan Martin del Potro to to set up a final showdown with Dominic Thiem on coming Sunday.

The Spanish world number, who is just is one win away from title number 11, &nbspedged a tight first set but then blew the fifth seed away.

Del Potro had forced six break points during the first set but each time Nadal fended them off.&nbsp

Nadal had not had a sniff on Del Potro's serve until, at 5-4, two swishes of his forehand forced two set points, the second of which he converted when the Argentinian netted.

Del Potro was in the semi-finals for the first time since he recovered from three years of injury problems which made him contemplate quitting the sport.

Nadal, who has lifted the trophy every time he has reached the last four at Roland Garros, made a comeback at the start of the third and went on to register a comprehensive 6-4 6-1 6-2 victory.

The Spanish world number edged a tight first set but then blew the fifth seed away

Rafael Nadal demolishes Juan Martin del Potro to to set up a final showdown with Dominic Thiem on coming Sunday. The Spanish world number, who is just is one win away from title number 11, &nbspedged a tight first set but then blew the fifth seed away. Del Potro had forced six break points during the first set but each time Nadal fended them off. Nadal had not had a sniff on Del Potro's serve until, at 5-4, two swishes of his forehand forced two set points, the second of which he converted when the Argentinian netted. Del Potro was in the semi-finals for the first time since he recovered from three years of injury problems which made him contemplate quitting the sport. Nadal, who has lifted the trophy every time he has reached the last four at Roland Garros, made a comeback at the start of the third and went on to register a comprehensive 6-4 6-1 6-2 victory.

Rafael Nadal demolishes Del Potro to reach 11th French Open final

Rafael Nadal bounced back came from a set down to beat Diego Schwartzman 4-6, 6-3, 6-2, 6-2 in their rain-interrupted French Open quarter-final on Thursday on Court Philippe Chatrier.

The world number was trailing when the match was interrupted by rain yesterday but when the match started in bright sunshine, Nadal outplayed Schwartzman and romped through the next round of this year's French Open.

Nadal will face &nbspJuan Martin del Potro, the fifth-seeded Argentine, in the semi-finals.

"It was a very difficult match, Diego is a good friend and a good player," said the 16-time Grand Slam champion.

"After the stop for rain I played more aggressively and I'm very happy to be back in the semi-finals here."

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What a match. 
 
Thanks for the entertainment <a href="https://twitter.com/dieschwartzman?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@dieschwartzman</a> & <a href="https://twitter.com/RafaelNadal?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@RafaelNadal</a>.<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/RG18?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#RG18</a> <a href="https://t.co/RjmYpaINq4">pic.twitter.com/RjmYpaINq4</a>
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&nbsp

The world number one bounced back came from a set down to beat Diego Schwartzman 4-6, 6-3, 6-2, 6-2 in their rain-interrupted French Open quarter-final

Rafael Nadal bounced back came from a set down to beat Diego Schwartzman 4-6, 6-3, 6-2, 6-2 in their rain-interrupted French Open quarter-final on Thursday on Court Philippe Chatrier. The world number was trailing when the match was interrupted by rain yesterday but when the match started in bright sunshine, Nadal outplayed Schwartzman and romped through the next round of this year's French Open. Nadal will face &nbspJuan Martin del Potro, the fifth-seeded Argentine, in the semi-finals. "It was a very difficult match, Diego is a good friend and a good player," said the 16-time Grand Slam champion. "After the stop for rain I played more aggressively and I'm very happy to be back in the semi-finals here." What a match. Thanks for the entertainment @dieschwartzman & @RafaelNadal.#RG18 pic.twitter.com/RjmYpaINq4 — Roland-Garros (@rolandgarros) June 7, 2018 ×

French Open: Rafael Nadal beats Diego Schwartzman to enter semi-final

'Dreams do come true'. And that's exactly what happened when a French Open 2018 ballboy got a chance to hit some shots with his hero Rafael Nadal.

After registering a thumping 6-3, 6-2, 6-2 victory against Richard Gasquet at the Court Philippe Chatrier, Nadal was asked if he would have a hit with the boy, who has been a lifelong fan of him.&nbsp

The world No.1 was more than happy to facilitate the request.

The Spanish ace picked two of his rackets and handed one to the ballboy, with crowd cheering for the young lad.&nbspNadal hit some shots with his fan before he shook hands and hugged the young boy.

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Why we ❤️ tennis. 
 
Rafa Nadal makes a ball boy's dream come true. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/RG18?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#RG18</a> <a href="https://t.co/Kk8cweZK7m">pic.twitter.com/Kk8cweZK7m</a>
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Nadal was never troubled in his third-round clash against Gasquet, whom he now holds a staggering 16-0 head-to-head career lead over.

The Spaniard moves on to play German Maximilian Marterer in the round of 16, who is currently ranked 70th in the world.

The world No.1 was more than happy to facilitate the request

'Dreams do come true'. And that's exactly what happened when a French Open 2018 ballboy got a chance to hit some shots with his hero Rafael Nadal. After registering a thumping 6-3, 6-2, 6-2 victory against Richard Gasquet at the Court Philippe Chatrier, Nadal was asked if he would have a hit with the boy, who has been a lifelong fan of him. The world No.1 was more than happy to facilitate the request. The Spanish ace picked two of his rackets and handed one to the ballboy, with crowd cheering for the young lad.&nbspNadal hit some shots with his fan before he shook hands and hugged the young boy. Why we ❤️ tennis. Rafa Nadal makes a ball boy's dream come true. #RG18 pic.twitter.com/Kk8cweZK7m — TSN Tennis (@TSNTennis) June 2, 2018 × Nadal was never troubled in his third-round clash against Gasquet, whom he now holds a staggering 16-0 head-to-head career lead over. The Spaniard moves on to play German Maximilian Marterer in the round of 16, who is currently ranked 70th in the world.

Watch: Rafael Nadal fulfils French Open ballboy's dream, plays Tennis with him

Rafael Nadal bt Maximilian Marterer, 6-3 6-2 7-6(4)

Rafael Nadal defeated&nbsp;a determined Maximilian Marterer 6-3 6-2 7-6(4) to enter into the&nbsp;French Open quarter-finals on Monday.

Nadal, who turned 32 on Sunday, fired 39 winners as he completed the victory in two hours and 30 minutes to set up a match with Argentine Diego Schwartzman, who had earlier beaten Kevin Anderson.

After roaring to a two-set lead, Nadal faced a stern test in the third with Marterer leading 3-1 at one point after breaking the Spaniard. The German battled for every point in a bid to drag himself back into the contest.

Nadal, however, maintained composure in the decisive moments of the match to seal victory on his second match point as Marterer's backhand went long.

Diego Schwartzman bt Kevin Anderson, 1-6, 2-6, 7-5, 7-6 (7/0), 6-2

Argentinian Diego Schwartzman staged a thrilling comeback from two sets down to stun sixth seed Kevin Anderson and reach the French Open quarter-finals for the first time on Monday.

The 11th seed was totally outplayed in the first two sets but twice broke Anderson when the South African was serving for the match en route to a 1-6, 2-6, 7-5, 7-6 (7/0), 6-2 victory.

The 25-year-old, who also reached the quarter-finals at last year's US Open, will face either 10-time champion Rafael Nadal or German Maximilian Marterer for a last-four place.

World number seven Anderson, who was looking to become the first South African man to make the last eight since Cliff Drysdale 51 years ago, has now lost in the fourth round at Roland Garros on four occasions.

Rafael Nadal will meet Diego Schwartzman in the quarter-final of this year's French Open

Rafael Nadal bt Maximilian Marterer, 6-3 6-2 7-6(4) Rafael Nadal defeated a determined Maximilian Marterer 6-3 6-2 7-6(4) to enter into the French Open quarter-finals on Monday. Nadal, who turned 32 on Sunday, fired 39 winners as he completed the victory in two hours and 30 minutes to set up a match with Argentine Diego Schwartzman, who had earlier beaten Kevin Anderson. After roaring to a two-set lead, Nadal faced a stern test in the third with Marterer leading 3-1 at one point after breaking the Spaniard. The German battled for every point in a bid to drag himself back into the contest. Nadal, however, maintained composure in the decisive moments of the match to seal victory on his second match point as Marterer's backhand went long. Diego Schwartzman bt Kevin Anderson, 1-6, 2-6, 7-5, 7-6 (7/0), 6-2 Argentinian Diego Schwartzman staged a thrilling comeback from two sets down to stun sixth seed Kevin Anderson and reach the French Open quarter-finals for the first time on Monday. The 11th seed was totally outplayed in the first two sets but twice broke Anderson when the South African was serving for the match en route to a 1-6, 2-6, 7-5, 7-6 (7/0), 6-2 victory. The 25-year-old, who also reached the quarter-finals at last year's US Open, will face either 10-time champion Rafael Nadal or German Maximilian Marterer for a last-four place. World number seven Anderson, who was looking to become the first South African man to make the last eight since Cliff Drysdale 51 years ago, has now lost in the fourth round at Roland Garros on four occasions.

French Open: Rafael Nadal, Diego Schwartzman set-up quarter-final clash

Rafael Nadal registered rain-delayed straight-sets win over Simone Bolelli to begin his bid for an 11th French Open title, on Tuesday.&nbsp

Nadal eased past his Italian opponent 6-4 6-3 7-6 (9) to kick-start the defence of his Roland Garros title.

Adverse weather in Paris forced the postponement to the match that started on Monday, with Nadal three games behind in the third set.

He quickly levelled the third set when play resumed on Tuesday, although the Spaniard was forced into a tie-break where he saved four set points.

Nadal eased past his Italian opponent 6-4 6-3 7-6 (9)

Rafael Nadal registered rain-delayed straight-sets win over Simone Bolelli to begin his bid for an 11th French Open title, on Tuesday. Nadal eased past his Italian opponent 6-4 6-3 7-6 (9) to kick-start the defence of his Roland Garros title. Adverse weather in Paris forced the postponement to the match that started on Monday, with Nadal three games behind in the third set. He quickly levelled the third set when play resumed on Tuesday, although the Spaniard was forced into a tie-break where he saved four set points.

French Open: Rafael Nadal beats Simone Bolelli, marches into second round

Five matches to watch at the French Open on Monday are:

Rafael Nadal (ESP x1) v Simone Bolelli (ITA)

Nadal starts his bid for an 11th French Open title against grizzled Italian veteran Simone Bolelli who got into the main draw as a lucky loser when Ukraine's Alexandr Dolgopolov withdrew with a wrist injury. Nadal has a record 79 wins against just two defeats in his Roland Garros career and arrives in Paris with his 11th titles in Monte Carlo and Barcelona and an eighth triumph in Rome.

Bolelli, 32, is ranked at 130 and has never got past the third round at Roland Garros. In five meetings with Nadal, he has won just one set.

Rogerio Dutra Silva (BRA) v Novak Djokovic (SRB x20)

A run to the semi-finals in Rome gave 2016 Roland Garros champion Djokovic hope that he is finally over the elbow injury which has seen his form dip and ranking slip to its lowest in over a decade.

Dutra Silva, 34 and ranked at 132 in the world, has never progressed beyond the second round in Paris.

But he has made two quarter-finals this year in Sao Paulo and in Istanbul which suggests a degree of clay-court proficiency.

Djokovic won their only meeting in the last 64 at the US Open in 2012, dropping just five games.&nbsp

Maria Sharapova (RUS x28) v Richel Hogenkamp (NED)

One of the most eagerly-awaited returns of recent years will be Serena Williams playing her first major since the 2017 Australian Open. The other is that of Sharapova who was refused a wildcard entry in 2017 by organisers uncomfortable with the 15-month doping ban she had just completed.

Sharapova, the Roland Garros champion in 2012 and 2014, has also been a two-time semi-finalist in Paris.

A run to the semi-finals on clay in Rome and a Madrid quarter-final spot this spring suggests the Russian is fired up.

Hogenkamp, 26 and the world 134, made the second round in Paris last year but lost her only previous meeting with Sharapova in the last 16 at Wimbledon in 2015.

Hogenkamp hasn't won a single match on tour this year, a miserable record which includes two losses on clay.

Danielle Collins (USA) v Caroline Wozniacki (DEN x2)

Former world number one Wozniacki finally broke through to her first Grand Slam title at the Australian Open this year in her 43rd major. Twice a quarter-finalist in Paris, in 2010 and 2017, the 27-year-old has endured a patchy European spring on clay with quarter-final runs at Istanbul and Rome.

Collins, a 24-year-old from Florida, is ranked 44 in the world after a shock run to the semi-finals at Miami in March.

However, she has yet to win a Grand Slam match, losing twice at the US Open and never having played at the Australian and French Opens and Wimbledon.

Guillermo Garcia-Lopez (ESP) v Stan Wawrinka (SUI x23)

Wawrinka, the 2015 champion, and runner-up to Nadal in 2017, arrives in Paris under an injury cloud having been laid low by a knee injury which had required surgery last year. Wawrinka missed three months this year before returning in Geneva last week where he won one match.

Garcia-Lopez, 34 years old and ranked 71, made the fourth round in 2014.

Wawrinka holds a 7-3 head-to-head record in a rivalry stretching &nbspback to 2005.

Here is a list of five matches to watch at the French Open

Five matches to watch at the French Open on Monday are: Rafael Nadal (ESP x1) v Simone Bolelli (ITA) Nadal starts his bid for an 11th French Open title against grizzled Italian veteran Simone Bolelli who got into the main draw as a lucky loser when Ukraine's Alexandr Dolgopolov withdrew with a wrist injury. Nadal has a record 79 wins against just two defeats in his Roland Garros career and arrives in Paris with his 11th titles in Monte Carlo and Barcelona and an eighth triumph in Rome. Bolelli, 32, is ranked at 130 and has never got past the third round at Roland Garros. In five meetings with Nadal, he has won just one set. Rogerio Dutra Silva (BRA) v Novak Djokovic (SRB x20) A run to the semi-finals in Rome gave 2016 Roland Garros champion Djokovic hope that he is finally over the elbow injury which has seen his form dip and ranking slip to its lowest in over a decade. Dutra Silva, 34 and ranked at 132 in the world, has never progressed beyond the second round in Paris. But he has made two quarter-finals this year in Sao Paulo and in Istanbul which suggests a degree of clay-court proficiency. Djokovic won their only meeting in the last 64 at the US Open in 2012, dropping just five games. Maria Sharapova (RUS x28) v Richel Hogenkamp (NED) One of the most eagerly-awaited returns of recent years will be Serena Williams playing her first major since the 2017 Australian Open. The other is that of Sharapova who was refused a wildcard entry in 2017 by organisers uncomfortable with the 15-month doping ban she had just completed. Sharapova, the Roland Garros champion in 2012 and 2014, has also been a two-time semi-finalist in Paris. A run to the semi-finals on clay in Rome and a Madrid quarter-final spot this spring suggests the Russian is fired up. Hogenkamp, 26 and the world 134, made the second round in Paris last year but lost her only previous meeting with Sharapova in the last 16 at Wimbledon in 2015. Hogenkamp hasn't won a single match on tour this year, a miserable record which includes two losses on clay. Danielle Collins (USA) v Caroline Wozniacki (DEN x2) Former world number one Wozniacki finally broke through to her first Grand Slam title at the Australian Open this year in her 43rd major. Twice a quarter-finalist in Paris, in 2010 and 2017, the 27-year-old has endured a patchy European spring on clay with quarter-final runs at Istanbul and Rome. Collins, a 24-year-old from Florida, is ranked 44 in the world after a shock run to the semi-finals at Miami in March. However, she has yet to win a Grand Slam match, losing twice at the US Open and never having played at the Australian and French Opens and Wimbledon. Guillermo Garcia-Lopez (ESP) v Stan Wawrinka (SUI x23) Wawrinka, the 2015 champion, and runner-up to Nadal in 2017, arrives in Paris under an injury cloud having been laid low by a knee injury which had required surgery last year. Wawrinka missed three months this year before returning in Geneva last week where he won one match. Garcia-Lopez, 34 years old and ranked 71, made the fourth round in 2014. Wawrinka holds a 7-3 head-to-head record in a rivalry stretching &nbspback to 2005.

French Open: Five important matches to watch on Monday

Rafael Nadal won the Rome Masters for the eighth time on Sunday when he defeated defending champion Alexander Zverev 6-1, 1-6, 6-3 after a stunning comeback.

German second seed Zverev was 3-1 up in the decider before two rain stoppages halted his momentum.

Top seed Nadal raced away with the last five games to secure a 32nd Masters title and ensure a return to the world number one spot.

The 31-year-old also showed why he will once again be the runaway favourite when Roland Garros begins in a week where he'll be bidding for an 11th French Open title.

Zverev, 21, came to the court riding a 13-match win streak which included last weekend's trophy in Madrid. &nbsp;

However, by the end of Sunday's rain-hit final, his record against the Spaniard stood at five defeats in five meetings.

Nadal was 3-1 down at the first rain break but cut the gap on the resumption.

After a further half an hour off court during the second interruption, Nadal came back out firing, winning four straight games to wrap up the win on his second match point.

"The rain break was so important, I didn't think it would help me but it did. I was able to come back out with clear ideas, I'm very happy," said Nadal.

"To win Rome eight times is amazing, it's hard to describe. To have the chance to win here again is so great.

"As for Roland Garros, I'm going to enjoy this victory and think about Paris in a few days. &nbsp;

"For Alexander it's amazing to have won that many matches in a row," Nadal said after winning in just over two hours.

"Today this trophy is with me for a short time, but I'm sure you will get it again."

He added: "This was a very difficult match played at one of the best events of the world.

"To win again after my first (Rome title) in 2005 is amazing, the 2005 final was one of the best memories of my career."

Nadal remains the best clay-courter of the Open Era with an astonishing 408-36 record

He will next seek an 11th French Open crown to match the 11 he owns from Monte Carlo and Barcelona.

"You are an amazing champion and you proved that today," Zverev told the Spaniard at the trophy presentation.

"You are the greatest clay player of all time, we all saw that. I'm disappointed that my streak is over, but I did lose to Rafa, so maybe it's OK.

"I was so close but I lost it at the end."

With the sun shining, Nadal made light work of what looked like a disastrous start to the match as he dropped serve in the opening game.

But the king of clay quickly mounted a fightback, breaking world number three Zverev to love and going on to deny the German a winning service game in the entire set.

Nadal closed out the opener in 32 minutes on an overhead smash to leave his challenger scratching for answers after losing six straight games.

Zverev finally held serve to start the second set and answered Nadal by breaking the top seed twice to reach 5-0 as the first dark clouds of the week gathered over the Foro Italico and the conditions slowed.&nbsp;

Nadal temporarily stopped the rot as he won his fist game of the set but Zverev levelled the match at a set each a game later.

That set the stage for the rollercoaster third set decider.

&nbsp;

Rafael Nadal won the Rome Masters for the eighth time as he defeated defending champion Alexander Zverev

Rafael Nadal won the Rome Masters for the eighth time on Sunday when he defeated defending champion Alexander Zverev 6-1, 1-6, 6-3 after a stunning comeback. German second seed Zverev was 3-1 up in the decider before two rain stoppages halted his momentum. Top seed Nadal raced away with the last five games to secure a 32nd Masters title and ensure a return to the world number one spot. The 31-year-old also showed why he will once again be the runaway favourite when Roland Garros begins in a week where he'll be bidding for an 11th French Open title. Zverev, 21, came to the court riding a 13-match win streak which included last weekend's trophy in Madrid. However, by the end of Sunday's rain-hit final, his record against the Spaniard stood at five defeats in five meetings. Nadal was 3-1 down at the first rain break but cut the gap on the resumption. After a further half an hour off court during the second interruption, Nadal came back out firing, winning four straight games to wrap up the win on his second match point. "The rain break was so important, I didn't think it would help me but it did. I was able to come back out with clear ideas, I'm very happy," said Nadal. "To win Rome eight times is amazing, it's hard to describe. To have the chance to win here again is so great. "As for Roland Garros, I'm going to enjoy this victory and think about Paris in a few days. "For Alexander it's amazing to have won that many matches in a row," Nadal said after winning in just over two hours. "Today this trophy is with me for a short time, but I'm sure you will get it again." He added: "This was a very difficult match played at one of the best events of the world. "To win again after my first (Rome title) in 2005 is amazing, the 2005 final was one of the best memories of my career." Nadal remains the best clay-courter of the Open Era with an astonishing 408-36 record He will next seek an 11th French Open crown to match the 11 he owns from Monte Carlo and Barcelona. "You are an amazing champion and you proved that today," Zverev told the Spaniard at the trophy presentation. "You are the greatest clay player of all time, we all saw that. I'm disappointed that my streak is over, but I did lose to Rafa, so maybe it's OK. "I was so close but I lost it at the end." With the sun shining, Nadal made light work of what looked like a disastrous start to the match as he dropped serve in the opening game. But the king of clay quickly mounted a fightback, breaking world number three Zverev to love and going on to deny the German a winning service game in the entire set. Nadal closed out the opener in 32 minutes on an overhead smash to leave his challenger scratching for answers after losing six straight games. Zverev finally held serve to start the second set and answered Nadal by breaking the top seed twice to reach 5-0 as the first dark clouds of the week gathered over the Foro Italico and the conditions slowed. Nadal temporarily stopped the rot as he won his fist game of the set but Zverev levelled the match at a set each a game later. That set the stage for the rollercoaster third set decider.

Italian Open: Rafael Nadal wins eighth Rome Masters title after stunning comeback

World No. 2 Rafael Nadal defeated Serbia's Novak Djokovic 7-6, 6-3 to reach the Italian Open final on Saturday.

Top-seeded and a seven-time champion in Rome, Nadal took one hour and 56 minutes to beat his Serbian opponent.

The recent champion at the Monte-Carlo Masters and the Barcelona Open, Nadal earned his 25th victory out of 51 matches against Djokovic.&nbsp

In the final, Rafa is to face the winner of the match between Germany's Alexander Zverev and Croatia's Marin Cilic.

Nadal took one hour and 56 minutes to beat his Serbian opponent.

World No. 2 Rafael Nadal defeated Serbia's Novak Djokovic 7-6, 6-3 to reach the Italian Open final on Saturday. Top-seeded and a seven-time champion in Rome, Nadal took one hour and 56 minutes to beat his Serbian opponent. The recent champion at the Monte-Carlo Masters and the Barcelona Open, Nadal earned his 25th victory out of 51 matches against Djokovic. In the final, Rafa is to face the winner of the match between Germany's Alexander Zverev and Croatia's Marin Cilic.

Italian Open: Rafael Nadal beats Djokovic to reach final

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