WATCH: Rafael Nadal Refuses To Give Autographs to Fans After Third Round Victory at French Open 2021

World No.3 Rafael Nadal produced another domineering performance to cruise into the last-16 of the 2021 French Open. Nadal defeated British player, Cameron Norrie, in straight sets (6-3, 6-3, 6-3) in the third round at his beloved Grand Slam.

The thirteen-time champion won a whopping 79% of the points on his first serve and pounded 35 winners en route to the victory. The clay-court maestro extended his win-loss record at the French Open to 103 wins against just two losses.

Rafael Nadal turns down a fan

Post the victory, Nadal, being the gentleman he is, clicked pictures with his fans in the stadium. However, a sweet incident happened when an ardent fan requested Nadal for his autograph.

Owning the social distancing protocols because of the coronavirus pandemic, Nadal humbly apologized to his fan and said “I cannot sign, I’m very sorry”.

Rafa taking pics for a couple lucky fans, then says “I cannot sign I am very sorry.” What a sweetheart pic.twitter.com/KJ4Coqbt7h

— No Match Windy, No? (@nomatchwindyno) June 5, 2021

Yet again, the Spaniard showcased his courteous nature and expressed regret for his inability to sign an autograph considering the tournament’s COVID-19 rules.

Just two days back, Nadal celebrated his 35th birthday with a victory over his friend and long-term rival, Richard Gasquet. However, Nadal’s actual birthday present would be to claim a record 14th French Open trophy, a feat from which he stands just four match wins away.

Up next, Nadal would face teenager Jannik Sinner in the fourth round for a place in the quarterfinals. Notably, this would be the second year in a row both players would face off against each other at the French Open.

Last year, Nadal met Sinner in the quarterfinals and pulverized him in straight sets. However, over the last few months, Sinner has delivered some incredible results and could prove to be a challenge for the 20-time Grand Slam champion.

Interestingly, after booking his place in the fourth round, Nadal reached another milestone of advancing to his 50th Round-of-16 appearance in a Grand Slam. He stands behind his arch-rivals Novak Djokovic (54 times) and Roger Federer (67 times) in the list of most Grand Slam Round-of-16 appearances.

Read More: Victoria Azarenka expresses admiration for Nadal

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