NOVAK DJOKOVIC smashed his racket – then broke the will of Roberto Bautista Agut.
The 2016 champion reacted savagely to losing a point the second set tiebreak, but went on to win 6-4, 6-7, 7-6, 6-2.
Former world No 1 Djokovic is gathering momentum after coming through a tough test.
The Serb held a set point but saw his forehand clip off the net and go wide, prompting him to slam his racket repeatedly into the clay.
His racket was completely and utterly destroyed.
After his moment of fury, Bautista Agut levelled the match forcing Djokovic to resist the urge to smash a second racquet in the space of a minute.
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But Djokovic regained his composure, fighting back from losing his serve three times in the third set, breaking the Spaniard as he served for it and then taking the tiebreak.
Bautista Agut’s belief was understandably dented and his opponent ran away with the fourth set.
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Djokovic will play Fernando Verdasco, another Spaniard, in the last 16.
Verdasco defeated No 4 seed Grigor Dimitrov 7-6, 6-2, 6-4 to end another disappointing French Open for the Bulgarian who won the ATP World Tour Finals at the O2 last November.
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Elsewhere, Japanese No. 1 Kei Nishikori made light work of home favourite Gilles Simon.
The 19th seed won handily, beating the French ace 6-3, 6-1, 6-3 in two hours and three minutes and will go on to face either Dominic Thiem or Matteo Berrettini.
It was less good news for WTA fourth seed Elina Svitolina, who surprisingly crashed out in the third round.
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