Merciless Nadal marches into French Open quarterfinals

Rafael Nadal celebrates winning his fourth round match against Italy's Jannik Sinner - Reuters

PARIS (Reuters): Claycourt king Rafael Nadal overcame a wobbly start and issues with the stadium lights to subdue Italian teenager Jannik Sinner 7-5 6-3 6-0 on Monday and book a place in the French Open quarterfinals.

The Spanish defending champion, looking to claim a record-extending 14th Roland Garros singles title and become the only man to win 21 Grand Slam singles crowns, has won 35 consecutive sets in Paris.

World number 19 Sinner, who at 19 years old has been labelled as the next big thing in tennis, hit a brick wall on court Philippe Chatrier after leading 5-3 in the opening set.

Third seed Nadal will face Diego Schwartzman for a place in the semifinals after beating the Argentine in the last four last year.