PARIS — Rafael Nadal, the defending men’s champion here, easily beat Richard Gasquet once again, reaching the fourth round of the French Open with a crushing 6-3, 6-2, 6-2 win on Saturday.
Nadal, who is ranked No. 1, is gaining momentum in his bid for a record-extending 11th title at Roland Garros, and Gasquet never looked remotely like stopping him.
He rarely has.
Nadal, of Spain, inflicted a 16th defeat on Gasquet, who has lost every encounter dating to 2004.
“He’s someone I really appreciate,” said Nadal, who has been friends with Gasquet since their junior days.