French Open 2019: Rafael Nadal into third round after easily disposing of Yannick Maden

Rafael Nadal continued his quest for a 12th French Open title with a straightforward second-round win over German qualifier Yannick Maden on Wednesday. 

Moved to the unfamiliar surrounds of the Court Suzanne Lenglen – Roland Garros’ second biggest arena – Nadal was dominant from the start and completed a  6-1, 6-2, 6-4 victory after 2hr, 9min. 

There were some shaky moments in the third set when Nadal twice lost his serve, but he never looked in any real danger against an opponent who was playing in his first ever second round at a major. 

Nadal by contrast is a 17-time major winner, with a record 11 French Open titles to his name. He remains the favourite to win a 12th this year, and will next play the 27th seed David Goffin on Friday. 

Looking further ahead, Nadal could meet his old rival Roger Federer in the semi-final.