World number one Rafael Nadal is through to the third round at the ongoing French Open tournament following his straightforward victory over Guido Pella of Argentina in their second round clash.

The ten-time champion got the better of his opponent 6-2 6-1 6-1 in two hours and three minutes to seal a 14th consecutive third round spot.

Nadal, 31, will now face Frenchman Richard Gasquet, who defeated Malek Jaziri of Tunisia 6-2 3-6 6-3 6-0.

On his upcoming clash with Gasquet, Nadal said: “We have known each since 11 or 12 years old and grown up together, so it is going to be a great pleasure to play against him.”

“I played such a good match today, I am very happy with the way I played.” he added.

Third seed Marin Cilic is also through to the last 32 after his win over Poland’s Hubert Hurkacz 6-2 6-2 6-7 (3-7) 7-5 and will next face American Steve Johnson for a place in the fourth round.

Fifth seed Argentine Juan Martin del Potro also overcame Julien Benneteau of France 6-4 6-3 6-2 to book his place in the last 32.

Benneteau, 36, who was playing in his last French Open revealed how he fulfilled his dream to play at Roland Garros.

He said: “When I was 10 years old I sat in this stadium and had a dream to play right here, and I will never forget all of you for fulfilling my dream.”

Argentine Del Potro added: “It wasn’t easy for me to play a guy like Julien in Paris. He has made a fantastic career and is still playing great tennis.”

Canadian teenager Denis Shapovalov’s French Open campaign his over after he was beaten 7-5 6-7 (4-7) 7-5 6-4 by Maximilian Marterer of Germany in their second round clash.

The 19-year-old 24th seed was magnanimous in defeat afterwards. He said: “Not every week is going to be the same.”

“You run into guys that are playing well, playing hot.” he added.

Sixth seed Kevin Anderson of South Africa defeated Uruguay’s Pablo Cuevas 6-3 3-6 7-6 (7-5) 6-4 to setup a fourth round meeting with Germany’s Mischa Zverev, while Austria’s seventh seed Dominic Thiem overcame Stefanos Tsitsipas of Greece 6-2 2-6 6-4 6-4 to progress into the last 32.