Like many, I had watched Rafa struggle in his first round against Isner, and was left wondering if (a) the effects of an early five setter would take its toll, and (b) was there actually something deeper troubling him, as the last two tournaments, he seems to be preoccupied with other matters.
It certainly felt like a slow start for Rafa - a lot baseline slugging; this was going to be a gruelling match for players and spectators alike, if they carried on like this.
An early break to Rafa was almost lost on the next game. There was not much momentum either at all, and if it hadn't been for musical seats going on all around us, I would be having a siesta.
Anujar broke to being the score back to serve and there just didn't seem to be much fire in the bull. 
However, Pablo got himself broken again; this match was beginning to exhibit all the finest qualities of a WTA baselining breakfest. In fact to prove my point, Andujar broke Rafa's serve again to get things back on serve.
Unfortunately he couldn't stop Rafa from getting the decisive break to take the first set 7-5 but this had been hard going.
Meanwhile all the health and safety issues seem to have abated with people finally seating in seats instead of stairs.
After putting up a good fight in the first set, Pablo beginning to unravel a bit - lots of UEs. There was a sense it could be much more plain sailing for Nadal if he took the initiative now.
And promptly on typing that in my notes, Rafa was broken. There was hardly any consistency coming from him, and in light of a tweeted article (from Cheryl Murray) regarding the sometimes unsportsmanlike behaviour of the French crowd, it was clear they were really rooting for the underdog.
Conditions really beginning to worsen out there - swirling wind really playing havoc wih the players' preparations for serve, and when coupled with Rafa's lack of time keeping, this was dragging out. A lot.
Really had to leave after the 2nd for some sustenance (Risotto in the much reduced queues) ... But you could hear from the roars of the crowd that Andujar was making a comeback.
By the time we'd ambled back slowly all over the place to our entrance Nadal was clinging on by his fingernails in the 3rd set buts it appears his lack of consistency hadn't deserted him, leaving Andujar to serve out for the 3rd set for a 2nd time.
Thumping baseline rallies and lasso forehands a-plenty, and a questionable call gave Rafa the advantage, and the crowd started up with the booing again. Despite someone in the crown hollering during the point, Rafa broke back and Adujar's spirit dropped at that point. A golden putaway chance was slammed into the net - he'll be having nightmares about that one! Nadal had drawn level (Andujar had been leading 4-1 when we were out of the stadium). For the third time of asking, Andujar finally held his serve and we were heading into a TieBreak.
After losing mini break, we were treated to an amazing rally for Andujar to get it back. Well deserved sustained applause from the crowd. However, he squandered his chances by dumping into the net.
Andujar fought back from a 1-4 deficit but at 4-5, he had too much time to think about a drop shot that he guided skillfully into the net giving Nadal match point.
3 hours and 14 minutes for a straight sets win; even allowing for the fact that clay court play is slower than the other surfaces, this was another long round for Nadal, while his immediate competition have come through with comparative ease. I would say at this point that the signs for Djokovic (should he pass Del Potro) and Federer are looking so much the better.
Uneasy lies the the crown on the head of the clay court king.
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