French Open: Nadal eases into last 16, wildcard Gaston stuns Wawrinka
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Spain's Rafael Nadal hits a backhand against Italy's Stefano Travaglia in the third round of the men's singles at Roland Garros in Paris, France on October 2, 2020. /VCG

Spain's Rafael Nadal hits a backhand against Italy's Stefano Travaglia in the third round of the men's singles at Roland Garros in Paris, France on October 2, 2020. /VCG

Rafael Nadal continued his dominant form on court Philippe Chatrier with a merciless 6-1 6-4 6-0 demolition of Italian Stefano Travaglia on Friday, while former French Open champion Stan Wawrinka knocked out by wildcard Hugo Gaston in a riveting contest. 

In just 95 minutes, Rafael Nadal dispatched Italian world number 74 Travaglia to charge into the tournament's last 16. 

"I think today I played the best match this year at Roland Garros," said Nadal.

The claycourt master faced little resistance throughout, hitting 28 winners while dropping just five games. 

"The scoreline is because I did a lot of good things, I went to the net more often, I was more aggressive," said Nadal who took another confident strike towards a record-extending 13th title. 

After a dominant first set, the 12-time French Open champion faced a little more challenges from across the net as Travaglia played deeper early in the second set holding at 3-3 before Nadal broke to gain a crucial advantage. 

The world No. 2 saved his first break point in the game that followed and extended his lead to 5-3, then moved two sets up before wrapping up with an easy victory.

France's Rafael Nadal looks on during his men's singles third round match against Italy's Stefano Travaglia on day six of the 2020 French Open at Roland Garros in Paris, France on October 2, 2020. /VCG

France's Rafael Nadal looks on during his men's singles third round match against Italy's Stefano Travaglia on day six of the 2020 French Open at Roland Garros in Paris, France on October 2, 2020. /VCG

"I made a step forward in a lot of ways," said Nadal.

"I think he played a great second set, it was close. I was able to find a way."

Having yet to lose a single set in this year's edition, Nadal will next meet 20-year-old American Sebastian Korda, who is one of his biggest admirers.

"That means that I have been on the TV for such a long time, that's the main thing. The same like when I was a kid, I was watching (Pete) Sampras, (Andre) Agassi, Carlos Moya, etc," said Nadal.

"Another negative thing that means is that I am 34. That's another point that is not beautiful. But I'm happy to hear that. I know he's playing great. He's a very young kid with a lot of power. I think he has an amazing future - hopefully not yet."

Former French Open champion Stan Wawrinka suffered a stunning loss to world number 239 Hugo Gaston 6-2 3-6 3-6 6-4 0-6 in a riveting contest featuring powerful groundstroke from each side. 

Only making his second appearance at the Grand Slam, the French wildcard romped to victory in front of the vociferous Court Suzanne Lenglen fans.

"It's difficult to explain, it's fantastic. It was a great match and I'm very happy today really," Gaston, who likes the way Australian Nick Kyrgios plays, told reporters.

France's Hugo Gaston plays a forehand during his men's singles third round match against Switzerland's Stan Wawrinka on day six of the 2020 French Open at Roland Garros in Paris, France on October 2, 2020. /VCG

France's Hugo Gaston plays a forehand during his men's singles third round match against Switzerland's Stan Wawrinka on day six of the 2020 French Open at Roland Garros in Paris, France on October 2, 2020. /VCG

"I try to go to court believing I can win. I knew it was difficult but it's possible. I want to play more games, more matches. It's very important to go in with victory in mind."

Gaston will next face U.S. Open champion Dominic Thiem, a tough battle which he is not overawed by. 

"It's going to be a crazy experience. I'm going to give everything, just like today and we'll see the result. I will have nothing to lose," he said in his on-court interview.