Playing his first-ever men’s night session match on Court Philippe-Chatrier, Rafael Nadal defeated Richard Gasquet in straight sets, 6-0, 7-5, 6-2 after two hours and 14 minutes.
The defending champion was in control of the opener from the start, showcasing exceptional physical and mental form, dominating the score as he just dropped nine points against his rival to earn a 6-0 victory.
On his 35th birthday, the third seed was tested by the 15-time titlist, Gasquet, during the second set.
Despite producing an early break on Gasquet, ranked No. 53 managed to narrow the gap and level up the set at 5-5.
However, the Spaniard raised his level to close out 7-5, winning the last 30 sets, played against the French player.
Bidding to win his 21st Grand Slam title, the world No. 3 and Gasquet hit the court to contest the third set.
Nadal did not face a break point, continuing to impose his rhythm into the decider, sealing a 6-2 win while securing his spot into the next round.
All in all, the Spanish player won 84 percent of his first-serve points to Gasquet 70 and 47 percent on the second serve compared to his opponent 27.
The Manacor native hit 36 winners to 20 from his rival, recorded 23 unforced errors comparing to 37 from the 34-year-old, and cracked a total of three aces.
Before Thursday’s clash, both players have met on court 16 times - seven on clay courts; Nadal improved his ATP Head2Head record to seventeen victories.
On Saturday, the “King of Clay” will face British player Cameron Norrie.
The 2021 Lyon Open finalist overcame South African player Lloyd Harris 4-6, 6-3, 6-3, 6-2 to book his ticket into the next stage.
In his opener match at the Parisian event, the unseeded player edged world No. 198, Bjorn Fratangelo 7-5, 7-6 (5), 6-2.
Both times Nadal and Norrie met, the former prevailed over the ranked No. 45.
They last faced one another at the Barcelona Open held in April. Nadal lifted his 12th trophy at the tournament by toppling Stefanos Tsitsipas in a thrilling final.
The night session match in Paris was held without public due to the ongoing Covid-19 curfew in place in the “City of Lights”.