Nadal into last eight after early wobble

Rafael Nadal moved another step closer to his 11th French Open title after a straight-sets win over Maximilian Marterer.

The world number one, red-hot favourite to win the Roland Garros crown yet again, faced his toughest test so far but still came through unscathed to reach the quarter-finals.

If there were any concerns that 22-year-old German Marterer would be overawed facing the ‘King of Clay’ on the court he has ruled for the best part of 13 years, they were quickly dispelled when he broke Nadal’s serve in the opening game.

Nadal also faced break points at 2-2, but he fended them off and clinched his own second break to take the set.

A break in the first game of the second put Nadal on his way to a two-set lead as Marterer appeared to wilt.

Yet Marterer is clearly a fighter and he broke for 3-1 in the third, only for Nadal to hit straight back.

Nadal still needed a tie-break to see off a stubborn opponent – winning his 37th consecutive set at the tournament – for a 6-3 6-2 7-6 (7/4) victory.

“The match in general terms was positive,” said Nadal.

“The beginning a little bit not positive. But then after the 2-0, 6-3 6-2 was very positive.

“Then in the third, I had the chance at the beginning to have the break and probably take an important advantage to close the match but didn’t convert it.

“Then I suffered with a tough third set. I stopped a little bit the legs in terms of playing aggressive.

“After that, of course the match became more equal and he’s a good player.”

Nadal will face Diego Schwartzman, the 11th seed, in the last eight.

“Today was an important test. I am in quarter-finals. And the biggest test now is the next round,” added Nadal.

“I just worry about try to be at 100% for the next day that I have to play. That’s my goal.

“And I know if I make that happen, if I’m able to play with my highest intensity and with the right level, (it) will be always a tough match, but I really believe that I can have my chances to keep going.”

Argentinian Schwartzman pulled off a stunning fightback against Kevin Anderson.

Sixth seed Anderson, of South Africa, dropped just three games as he took the first two sets but Schwartzman somehow recovered for an unlikely 1-6 2-6 7-5 7-6 (7/0) 6-2 triumph.

Wimbledon runner-up Marin Cilic, the third seed, held off a comeback from Italy’s Fabio Fognini to win in five sets and will face Juan Martin Del Potro, who won in straight sets against John Isner. ‘King of Clay’ Rafael Nadal, the world No 1, in action during his straight-sets victory over Maximilian Marterer.