Nadal enjoys crushing win as Djokovic survives scare

Defending champion Novak Djokovic survived a five-setter against Diego Schwartzman to reach the fourth round of the French Open, while Rafael Nadal celebrated his most onesided victory at Roland Garros.

The title favourite dropped just a single game against Nikoloz Basilashvili, winning 6-0, 6-1, 6-0.

“Today was one of the best matches I have ever played, without a doubt,” said Nadal. “I’m really happy because I have a really good feeling. When I have a match, I play very well.”

Djokovic, pictured, trailed Schwartzman by two sets to one before turning things around.

Schwartzman is one of the smallest players on tour at only 5ft 7in but he shocked Djokovic by recovering from a break down to take the first set before winning the third. But Schwartzman had expended all his energy and Djokovic came through 5-7, 7-5, 3-6, 6-1, 6-1 to book a fourthround clash with Spain’s Albert Ramos-vinolas.

Andre Agassi did not make an appearance on Court Philippe Chatrier until midway through the second set but Djokovic revealed after the match their partnership is set to continue in the long term.

Sixth seed Dominic Thiem is yet to drop a set and ended the brave run of Steve Johnson with a 6-1, 7-6 (7/4), 6-3 victory.

In the women’s singles, Kristina Mladenovic set up an enticing fourthround clash with defending champion Garbine Muguruza.

Mladenovic trailed Shelby Rogers 5-2 in the decider but recovered to win 7-5, 4-6, 8-6. Muguruza overpowered Yulia Putintseva 7-5, 6-2.

Venus Wiiliams continued her smooth passage through the draw with a 6-3, 6-1 victory over Elise Mertens, while eighth seed Svetlana Kuznetsova beat Zhang Shuai 7-6 (7/5), 4-6, 7-5.