Defending champ Nadal into French Open 3rd round

PARIS — Eight-time champion Rafael Nadal advanced to the third round of the French Open on Thursday with a 6-2, 6-2, 6-3 win against Dominic Thiem of Austria.

Spain’s Rafael Nadal reacts after a winning point as he plays Austria’s Dominic Thiem during the second round match of the French Open tennis tournament at the Roland Garros stadium, in Paris, France, Thursday, May 29, 2014. AP PHOTO

Although the top-seeded Spaniard broke Thiem’s serve seven times overall, the Austrian’s heavy groundstrokes also caused Nadal problems and he lost his own serve twice.

Nadal converted his second match point when Thiem’s forehand looped out. He next faces either Leonardo Mayer of Argentina or Russia’s Teymuraz Gabashvili.

Fifth-seeded David Ferrer of Spain also advanced to the third round by beating Italy’s Simone Bolelli 6-2, 6-3, 6-2.

Ferrer, last year’s runner-up to Nadal, broke Bolleli’s serve five times and saved all four break points he faced.