French Open: Rampant Rafael Nadal crushes Stefano Travaglia for spot in fourth round at Roland Garros

Twelve-time champion needed just one hour and 35 minutes to dismiss his Italian opponent 6-1 6-4 6-0

Rafael Nadal is – as ever – looking the favourite to lift the trophy at Roland Garros (Getty Images)

Clay-court master Rafael Nadal powered his way into the fourth round of his beloved French Open with a merciless 6-1 6-4 6-0 demolition of Italian Stefano Travaglia on Friday.

The second seed, looking to extend his record to 13 titles at Roland Garros and hoping to match Roger Federer's record of 20 men's Grand Slam singles titles, will next meet American Sebastian Korda.

Nadal encountered little resistance on Court Philippe-Chatrier, hitting 28 winners and saying stars started to align in Paris.

"The scoreline is because I did a lot of good things, I went to the net more often, I was more aggressive," the 34-year-old said.

"I played my best match here at Roland Garros this year."

Nadal started in dominant fashion, winning the first nine points.

After 23 minutes, the first set was already in his bag. Travaglia had only managed six points, being completely overwhelmed by the Spaniard's power.

Travaglia played deeper early in the second set and Nadal found himself with a little challenge.

He broke for 4-3 but in the following game faced his first break point, which he saved to extend his lead to 5-3, then holding to love to move two sets up.

Travaglia's resistance cost him dearly as he collapsed in the third set, managing only eight points.

Reuters