A scrappy third set, but Rafael Nadal safely through while Stefanos Tsitsipas holds off Hugo Dellien
Rafael Nadal took his Roland Garros record to 88-2 as he brushed aside Yannick Maden in the second round of the French Open, but Stefanos Tsitsipas had more of a battle on his hand.
The 11-time Roland Garros champion was ruthless early on against the German qualifier, but Maden picked it up a bit in the third set as he managed to break the Nadal serve twice.
However, the Spaniard is a master on the clay and he eased across the finish line with a 6-1, 6-2, 6-4 in just over two hours.
Six sets played.
Six sets won.
88 career wins at @RolandGarros.@RafaelNadal defeats Maden 6-1, 6-2, 6-4 to advance to the 3rd round.
Next up for Rafa? @David__Goffin.#RG19 pic.twitter.com/THl2uVq2bf— Tennis Channel (@TennisChannel) May 29, 2019
Up next is former world No 7 and David Goffin after the 27th seed from Belgium beat Miomir Kecmanovic 6-2, 6-4, 6-3.
Sixth seed Tsitsipas was given more of a workout by Hugo Dellien with the Bolivian not only winning the opening set, but also finding himself a break up in the fourth set.
The Greek, though, won the final two games in the fourth to win 4-6, 6-0, 6-3, 7-5 and book his place in the third round where he will face either Spaniard Roberto Carballes Baena or Serbia’s Filip Krajinovic.
Just a few people awaiting the signature of @StefTsitsipas in Paris 😅😂#RG19 pic.twitter.com/BlZ9FUd7M6
— ATP Tour (@ATP_Tour) May 29, 2019
A seed did fall on Wednesday as Guido Pella (19) from Argentina was beaten by Corentin Moutet with the Frenchman winning 6-3, 6-1, 2-6, 7-5.
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