Rafael Nadal celebrates his birthday at Roland Garros by beating Gasquet
Spain's Rafael Nadal celebrated his 35th birthday on Thursday at the Roland Garros tennis venue in the French capital, Paris, as he defeated French Richard Gasquet in three sets without a response in the second round of the competition.
The veteran star reached the third round of Roland Garros after beating Gasquet 6-0, 7-5, 6-2 in two hours and 14 minutes.
The world number three, while searching for his 14th title in Paris, which could raise his tally in the Grand Slam to 21, seemed decisive against an opponent 15 days younger than him.
It is noteworthy that Nadal had defeated Gasquet in 17 matches between them in the past.
The Spaniard is scheduled to face Britain's Cameron Norrie, ranked 45th in the world, in the next round, who has never crossed the third round of any major tournament.
The 25-year-old Nouri reached the third round at Roland Garros after beating South African Lloyd Harris 4-6, 6-3, 6-3, 6-2.
Spanish news agency EFE
