“Another career milestone”- Rafael Nadal storms past Corentin Moutet to win his 300th Grand Slam match

Rafael Nadal won his 300th Grand Slam match at Roland-Garros on Wednesday, defeating Corentin Moutet, a French wildcard, 6-3, 6-1, 6-4. Moutet had his moments in an intriguing clash under the lights in the third night session of this year’s championship, creating a fantastic atmosphere on Court Philippe Chatrier.

But Nadal, the 13-time winner and No. 5 seed this year, was too strong, too consistent, and too excellent to lose in just over two hours, setting up a third-round match with Dutchman Botic van de Zandschulp, the No. 26 seed. It was Nadal’s 107th triumph in Paris, more than any other player in the history of the French Open.

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“I am happy about a lot of things that I did tonight”- Rafael Nadal

“I’m happy I am through in three sets, that’s an important fact for me and that gives me the chance to keep working tomorrow and try to be ready for after tomorrow against a tough opponent,” Rafael Nadal said in his on-court interview. “So let’s see. I am happy about a lot of things that I did tonight, so let’s try to keep going and keep improving tomorrow.”

The full Chatrier crowd was rooting for Moutet to extend the match, but despite falling behind a break early in the third set, Nadal quickly recovered and claimed victory when Moutet’s lob went long. “I think the crowd was very nice with me too,” he said. “I really didn’t feel the crowd against me at all. I think it was a 50/50 and it was supporting good tennis.”

“I always enjoy a good support here in Paris, I think the people here knows how special is this place for me and how important and how much respect I always had for Roland Garros and I think they appreciate all the things that I did in this event, so I feel a lot of love from the people here.”

The 35-year-old Spaniard defeated Australian Jordan Thompson (6-2, 6-2, 6-2) in the previous round, while Moutet, ranked 139, defeated Swiss Stan Wawrinka (2-6, 6-3, 7-6 [2], 6-3).

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