Rafael Nadal blames weather

Rafael Nadal said the sluggish Paris weather was at fault for slower conditions at the French Open, after the nine-time champion progressed to the fourth round.

Nadal dismissed Andrey Kuznetsov 6-1 6-3 6-2 on Court Suzanne Lenglen on Saturday, to book a last-16 clash with Jack Sock.

The sixth seed agreed with the notion the courts were lagging in 2015 compared to previous years, but defended ball supplier Babolat - Nadal uses a racquet supplied by the French company - and claimed the conditions were causing slower conditions.

"I don't see a big difference," Nadal told a news conference.

"I think the ball is a great ball - I'm not saying it because it's Babolat. It's always the same here.

"It's true these couple of days have not been very hot, the temperature is 17, 18 [degrees].

"When that happens, the court is heavier and the ball opens more [expands]."

Nadal was not disgruntled to be playing away from Court Philippe Chatrier, and claimed the larger surrounds of Lenglen suited him.

"It's obvious that big courts helps a little bit more with my game," Nadal said.

"It's a little bit more difficult to attack, to see a clear winner.

"It is great to play on Lenglen, the crowd is closer, it's nothing new for me. Every year I play once or twice."

Nadal also sheepishly dismissed Gustavo Kuerten's claim the Mallorcan was "not from this world" when reflecting on Nadal's record nine titles at Roland Garros.

"First of all, I am from this planet, I think," he said with a smile.

"Second thing, thanks to Guga [Kuerten] for the words.

"Third thing, it's true that it is probably a tough record to beat. But if I did it, somebody else can do it."