• Rafael Nadal serves on his way to victory in four sets against David Goffin. AP Photo
    Rafael Nadal serves on his way to victory in four sets against David Goffin. AP Photo
  • Nadal examines a ball., Reuters
    Nadal examines a ball., Reuters
  • Nadal in action against Goffin in their third round clash. Reuters
    Nadal in action against Goffin in their third round clash. Reuters
  • Rafael Nadal plays a forehand from the back of the court. Getty
    Rafael Nadal plays a forehand from the back of the court. Getty
  • An overhanging shot of Court Philippe-Chatrier as Nadal took on Goffin. Getty
    An overhanging shot of Court Philippe-Chatrier as Nadal took on Goffin. Getty
  • Nadal serves during the match. Reuters
    Nadal serves during the match. Reuters
  • Nadal shows his focus as he plays a backhand. Getty
    Nadal shows his focus as he plays a backhand. Getty
  • Nadal makes a return during the second set against Goffin. AFP
    Nadal makes a return during the second set against Goffin. AFP
  • Nadal checks his racket. Getty
    Nadal checks his racket. Getty
  • Nadal was pushed hard at times as he reached the last 16. Getty
    Nadal was pushed hard at times as he reached the last 16. Getty
  • It was a hard afternoon for Goffin in Paris. AFP
    It was a hard afternoon for Goffin in Paris. AFP
  • Nadal lets out a roar during proceedings. Reuters
    Nadal lets out a roar during proceedings. Reuters

French Open: Rafael Nadal too good for David Goffin despite dropping first set at Roland Garros in 2019


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Rafael Nadal moved through to the fourth round at the French Open despite dropping his first set of the 2019 tournament.

The Spaniard who is bidding for a 12th major title in Paris he defeated 27th seed David Goffin 6-1, 6-3, 4-6, 6-3.

Nadal started brilliantly as Goffin won only two points in the first three games.

He was quickly 5-0 up and sealed the set in just 30 minutes, and then two breaks in the second serve put him in complete control.

But Goffin rallied. He survived three break points in the second game of the third set then held his own before breaking at the second attempt in the ninth game.

He held his nerve to halve the deficit on his first set point, but this proved to be a minor inconvenience to Nadal rather then the start of something more troubling.

He broke in the fourth game of the next set and he cruised on to victory from there.

Nadal joins arch-rival Roger Federer, who had earlier beaten Casper Ruud, in the last 16.

Nadal will face either Juan Ignacio Londero or Corentin Moutet for a spot in the quarter-finals.