French Open: Djokovic thrashes Pella,Nadal playing catch-up

Fierce rival and top seed Novak Djokovic got lucky and thrashed Guido Pella in the second round between the showers on Thursday but Nadal,who faces Slovakia8217;s Martin Klizan,has not played for four days.

It is not ideal,especially as Italy8217;s dangerous claycourter Fabio Fognini is already through and waiting for defending champion Nadal having had an extra day8217;s rest.

Klizan,who just missed out on being seeded,is a tall,powerful left-hander and an unknown quantity for Nadal who has never faced him before.

It should be a formality,but Germany8217;s Daniel Brands proved on Monday that Nadal can be vulnerable before he starts firing on all cylinders at Roland Garros.

Friday8217;s schedule is a packed one with the remaining,and unfinished,second round matches vying for court space with third round ties,the pick of which is second seed Roger Federer up against Frenchman Julien Benneteau.

Women8217;s top seed Serena Williams is also in third round action on Friday against Romania8217;s Sorana Cirstea while home fans will have plenty to cheer with Jo-Wilfried Tsonga,Gael Monfils and Marion Bartoli all on show courts.

Thankfully the dreadful weather that has afflicted the tournament so far is expected to ease from Friday,hopefully lighting the touchpaper for a tournament yet to come alive.