The 13-time French Open champion will meet Diego Schwartzman in the last eight; he goes into the contest having won his last 35 sets in succession at Roland Garros
Against Sinner, Nadal weathered a spot of early pressure. He found himself 5-3 down in the opening set, before easing into a higher gear and never looking back.
Once Nadal had fully settled, he overpowered his teenage opponent and had the right answer to every question that Sinner posed.
The 35-year-old finished the contest having won 81 per cent of points on his first serve and forced Sinner into making 40 unforced errors.
Down to the final 🎱 at #RolandGarros
🇷🇸 Djokovic v. Berrettini 🇮🇹
🇪🇸 Nadal v. Schwartzman 🇦🇷
🇩🇪 Zverev v. Davidovich Fokina 🇪🇸
🇬🇷 Tsitsipas v. Medvedev 🇷🇺Who will advance to the semi-finals?
— ATP Tour (@atptour) June 7, 2021
The world No 10 Schwartzman awaits Nadal next, before a potential semi-final contest with Novak Djokovic, if he overcomes Matteo Berrettini.
Nadal and Schwartzman have met 11 times previously, including in the semi-finals last year, and despite the Spaniard holding a 10-1 record, he’s not underestimating the 28-year-old.
“Against him I need to play well,” Nadal said. “I think I am [playing well] but of course he’s coming to it with confidence after playing some great matches here.