French Open | Nadal advances, Barty fights through hip problem

The Spaniard begins his bid for a record-setting 21st Grand Slam title with a straight sets win over Popyrin

Rafael Nadal began his bid for a record-setting 21st Grand Slam title with a straight sets win on Tuesday as the fallout from Naomi Osaka's revelations over depression and anxiety sent shockwaves through Roland Garros. Nadal, the 13-time champion in Paris, defeated 63rd-ranked Alexei Popyrin of Australia 6-3, 6-2, 7-6(3) to take his record at the tournament to 101 wins against just two losses. "I was lucky to win that third set, I don't know how (I did). The beginning of the match had been very tough too," said Nadal, who had been 2-5 down in the third set, saving two set points.