Nadal battles past Isner

Rafael Nadal avoided the shock of all shocks by coming from two sets to one down to beat John Isner 6-4 6-7 (2/7) 6-7 (2/7) 6-2 6-4 in the first round of the French Open today.

The top seed and five-time champion has only ever lost one match at Roland Garros, against Robin Soderling in 2009, and today’s four-hour encounter was the first time he has played a five-set match on the Paris clay.