Spanish tennis star Rafael Nadal easily defeated Frenchman Richard Gasquet in three straight sets, 6–0, 6–1, 7–5.
Nadal dominated the match in two sets.
In the third, Gasquet woke up and after a tough start played more aggressively.
But the Frenchman was not enough all the way and the match was over after three sets.
The nose remains
Nadal's last match, however, ended in drama.
The Spaniard cut his nose open when his racket bounced off the ground on a hit.
- It's a little bigger than usual, but that's okay.
It's still there, says Nadal after the night's meeting.
The win was Nadal's 30th at Arthur Asche Stadium.
- The evening sessions here in New York are the best in the world, says Nadal to the delight of the crowd.
Next, the American Frances Tiafoe awaits Nadal, in the fourth round.
- He is a good player.
Charismatic, quick and can play creatively.
I have to get better and better to be able to take him, says Nadal about the upcoming opposition.
- I am of course happy to reach the fourth round and hope that I can get better and better and give myself the opportunity to continue playing here.
CUT: Rafael Nadal is knocked bloody - by his own racket
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Rafael Nadal got his own rack in the face.
Photo: Discovery+