French Open favourite Rafael Nadal cruised past Xavier Malisse to set up an eagerly anticipated third-round clash with Richard Gasquet. The duo, who are both 18, met in last month's Monte Carlo Masters semi-finals, with Spaniard Nadal emerging the narrow winner.
Fourth seed Nadal beat Malisse 6-2 6-2 6-4 in a match featuring several thrilling rallies.
Frenchman Gasquet, the 30th seed, beat Holland's Peter Wessels 6-3 7-6 6-1.
"I'm very pleased to have got the first two rounds out of the way," said Gasquet, who beat Federer in the quarter-finals in Monte Carlo.
"Now there's a big match awaiting me. I won't be the favourite but if I can beat Nadal it would be fantastic."
The teenage duo have been two of the stars of this year's clay-court season.
Nadal is bidding to become the first player to win the French Open on his debut since Mats Wilander in 1982.
And Gasquet is seeking to become the first Frenchman to win his home Grand Slam since Yannick Noah in 1983.
MMIX
E-mail this to a friend 
Printable version 
