Nadal on Sinner clash after reaching French Open fourth round for 50th time: “I need to be ready to play at a very high level”

Rafael Nadal achieved a milestone on Saturday reaching the fourth round at the French Open for the 50th time after seeing off Cam Norrie 6-3, 6-3, 6-3.

Nadal spoke afterwards and said on the Norrie clash his feelings were mixed on his performance.

"Today I had in front [of me] a player [who is] having a great season," Nadal said. "I went on court knowing that could be a tough match, and for moments [it was] like this. I'm happy to win in straight sets. I think I did what I had to do. For moments, I played well. I think [I played] a good first set. Then for moments I need to do things better, but I am confident that I can do it."

Next up, he is set to lock horns again with rising Italian ace, Jannik Sinner and he is expecting a tough test.

"You can't expect an easy opponent out there. Jannik is not the best fourth round. Without a doubt, he's a dangerous one," Nadal continued. "He's young. He's a great player. We know each other well, so let's see. I need to be ready to play at a very high level of tennis to have chances to be in the quarter-finals, and I'm going to fight for it."