Rafael Nadal Dominates Denis Istomin at 2012 French Open

Rafael Nadal is one step closer to achieving a historical seventh French Open title.

According to a tweet from BBC Sport's official account, Nadal made quick work of Denis Istomin in the second round of the tournament on Thursday:

"

Six-time champion Rafael Nadal beats Denis Istomin 6-2 6-2 6-0 to reach the third round of the French Open bbc.co.uk/sport/0/tennis…

— BBC Sport (@BBCSport) May 31, 2012"

Nadal, who has dropped only one service game during the course of this year's tournament, has only lost once on clay since he debuted in 2005. He is chasing yet another French Open title that will put him one notch above Bjorn Borg.

Thursday's victory wasn't easy to come by, as the BBC reports that Nadal had to battle to hold his service games in the second set. With the win, Nadal managed to maintain his perfect record against Istomin and he, along with Jo-Wilfried Tsonga, will sail right along to the third round.

Though the pressure to win that record seventh title appears to be mounting, Nadal—whose last loss came less than a month ago in the third round of the Madrid Open—isn't even thinking about the pressure. He's staying focused on each round as it comes.

Prior to his win on Thursday, Nadal told Reuters: 

"

We are in the second round. That's the thing. I have enough work to do thinking about the next round, and not think about if Bjorn will be here or if I'm gonna play the final. 

"

Nadal's record at the French Open now stands at 47-1, and his only loss came in the fourth round in 2009 versus Robin Soderling. Another French Open title would only perpetuate Nadal's recent stretch of immortality, which includes 10 Grand Slam titles. 

Third-round action begins on Friday, June 1, and given Nadal's laser-sharp focus at the present, it's hard to believe anyone is capable of standing in between him and history.