Rafael Nadal, Kyle Edmund, and Juan Martin Del Potro power on in Paris

Michael Graham
Rafael Nadal celebrates
Rafael Nadal celebrates

Rafael Nadal has powered his way into the third round of the French Open.

The 10-time Roland Garros winner made short work of Guido Pella, pummelling his fellow left hander 6-2 6-1 6-1.

The win means Nadal will now face Frenchman Richard Gasquet, against whom he has a perfect 15-0 record in the professional careers.

“I’m very happy, I played more aggressive than in the first round, so I’m very happy with that,” said Nadal.

“Richard (Gasquet) is a very good friend. We’ve known each other since we were 11 or 12 years old so it will be very special to play again against him on such an important court for my career.”

Juan Martin Del Potro is also safely into the third round after he beat home favourite Julien Benneteau 6-4 6-3 6-2.

The match marked Benneteau’s farewell to Roland Garros after a lengthy love affair with the tournament.

Del Potro’s fellow Argentine Diego Schwartsman made short work of Adam Pavlasek, coming our with a comfortable 6-1 6-3 6-1 win.

Elsewhere, ninth seed John Isner recovered from losing the first set against Horacio Zaballos to claim a 6-7 7-6 7-6 6-2 win and place in the third round.

British number one Kyle Edmund was also in dominant form, beating Marton Fucsovics 6-0 1-6 6-2 6-3.