Nadal gets his forehand back for his birthday

Rafael Nadal of Spain blows out candles on his birthday cake after winning his men's singles match against Kei Nishikori of Japan at the French Open tennis tournament at the Roland Garros stadium in Paris June 3, 2013. Nadal, who turned 27 on Monday, earned his second straight sets victory in succession as his challenge for an eighth French Open title gathered pace with a 6-4 6-1 6-2 defeat of Nishikori to secure a quarter-final spot. REUTERS/Gonzalo Fuentes

PARIS (Reuters) - All Rafael Nadal wanted for his 27th birthday at the French Open on Monday was his forehand back and he got his wish as the Spaniard's most feared weapon demolished Japan's Kei Nishikori and sent the defending champion into the quarter-finals.

The left-hander, bidding to become the first man to win one of the sport's grand slams eight times, played his most impressive tennis of the tournament so far to claim a 6-4 6-1 6-2 victory.