Rafael Nadal bursts out laughing after being asked THIS question at French Open

Nadal, 31, is bidding to win his 11th French Open title at Roland Garros, a venue named after the French aviator.

A journalist was in Paris to ask players who exactly Roland Garros was - and it took the Spaniard by surprise.

After Nadal beat Guido Pella 6-1 6-1 6-1 in the second round a journalist asked: "We are asking to some players who Roland Garros was in order to celebrate him."

A taken aback Nadal replied: "Sorry."

The question was then asked again; "Who Mr. Roland Garros was. In order to celebrate him. Do you remember who he was?"

Nadal then laughed back and said: "I cannot remember because I didn't meet him!

"If I not wrong, he was an aviator. That's it."

Although Nadal had clearly done his homework for he was right - Roland Garros was a World War I fighter pilot.

Away from planes, Nadal spoke warmly of his third-round opponent Richard Gasquet. The pair will meet on Saturday.

Nadal said: "I have a great relationship with him always since we were kids. We met each other first time when we were 12. First thing is he's a very good person.

"He's a very normal guy. We practiced hundreds of times together. He came to Mallorca.

"He is one of the guys on the tour that creates good atmosphere. He always has a positive attitude. Not creating no one problem and being a normal person. I like him a lot.

"It will be a good match against a good friend in the most important place in my career, and for him a very special place, too."