Rafael Nadal Tops Nikoloz Basilashvili at 2017 French Open

Rafael Nadal took Nikoloz Basilashvili apart at the 2017 French Open on Friday, 6-0, 6-1, 6-0, as he raced to victory in one hour, 30 minutes.

The Spaniard outclassed his hapless opponent—who was 5-0 down in the second set before he won his only game—from start to finish on Court Philippe Chatrier as he secured a place in the fourth round at Roland Garros.

Nadal romped through the first set in just 23 minutes as he made an electric start to the contest.

Though the Spaniard would ultimately win it with a delightful drop shot, Basilashvili had initially threatened to make the contest competitive, per Eurosport UK:

However, the Georgian would win just eight points in the entire first set, six of which were unforced errors by Nadal, and none of which were winners, as the Spaniard broke three times on the way to a bagel.

It did not take long for the nine-time French Open champion to break his opponent once again in the second set:

Record's Jose Morgado and Ben Rothenberg of the New York Times remarked on Nadal's ease as he quickly established a 3-0 lead:

Basilashvili came close to stopping the rot in the following game as he led 40-30, but a poor second serve allowed Nadal to dictate their subsequent rally as he had so often throughout the match, and the chance evaporated as quickly as it came.

The Georgian finally won a game while serving to stay in the set at 5-0:

Nevertheless, the second set quickly and inevitably went Nadal's way. Former British No. 1 Greg Rusedski marvelled at his efforts:

"

Rafa looking unstoppable. Playing better than every.Some much to admire.Constantly improving.Can't see anyone beating him at RG in this form

— Greg Rusedski (@GregRusedski1) June 2, 2017"

Nadal unsurprisingly kicked off the third set with a break of serve, though it took him 14 points to do so as Basilashvili was able to take the game to deuce.

A powerful forehand winner gave the fourth seed his second break and a 3-0 lead, though Basilashvili was able to take a point with a lovely drop shot.

He almost caused a stir in the following game as he earned three break points when Nadal sent a forehand long, but he was unable to take any of them, with the Spaniard producing an exceptional backhand along the way:

Before long, the match was wrapped up with Nadal, who sealed the victory courtesy of an nonreturnable serve, barely breaking a sweat in the entire contest.

Nadal will take on 17th seed and compatriot Roberto Bautista Agut in his next match.