French Open 2020 – Unstoppable Rafael Nadal steams into quarter-finals against Sebastian Korda

Updated 04/10/2020 at 19:37 GMT

Rafael Nadal’s quest for a record-extending 13th French Open title rumbles on after another ruthless display on Court Philippe-Chatrier. The Spaniard is through to the quarter-finals after beating Sebastian Korda at Roland Garros.

Rafael Nadal celebrates

Image credit: Getty Images

Rafael Nadal surrendered just four games as he reached the French Open quarter-finals with a typically bullish victory over Sebastian Korda.

The Spaniard, bidding to draw level with Roger Federer on 20 Grand Slams in the men’s all-time charts, was rarely troubled as he secured a 6-1 6-1 6-2 victory on Court Philippe-Chatrier.

Nadal will face Jannik Sinner in the last eight after the Italian teenager stunned Alexander Zverev in four sets.

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Highlights: Nadal drops just four games in Korda demolition job

The scoreboard did not completely reflect the match as Korda carved out a handful of break opportunities and briefly established daylight in the third set.

But the American’s own serve wavered under stern examination as he won just 39% of points on his first serve.

The 20-year-old, son of 1998 Australian Open champion Petr Korda, grew up idolising Nadal – even naming his cat after the clay-court legend.

"Sebastian will have a really bright future, such a great player," Nadal said of his opponent.

"It is a real honour. All of our generation try hard to be passionate, play every single day at our best, and if that is an inspiration for the younger generation, that is good."

Should Nadal pass his next test, he will likely meet two-time finalist and US Open champion Dominic Thiem in the semi-finals.

Nadal on Korda: ‘We’re looking at a great player’

'A TENNIS LESSON' – TIM HENMAN

Tim Henman in the Eurosport studio praised Korda for his run at Roland Garros, with the 20-year-old coming through qualifying and knocking out 21st seed John Isner, but said this was a match too far.

"It was just a massive gulf in class. From the word go, Nadal stamped his authority," said Henman.

"The problem when you’re playing against Rafa and he’s hitting the ball so hard, you have a tendency to move a little bit further behind the baseline because you need a bit more time.

"But when Rafa’s inside the court and he starts using the drop shot, then you feel like you’ve got so much court to cover.