PARIS: Rafael Nadal's five-set 3-6, 6-3, 6-2, 3-6, 6-3 scoreline against Felix Auger-Aliassime in the fourth-round of the French Open should be a synonym for survival.
Some 30 minutes later, in his post-match conference, the 35-year-old delivered a vignette of his woes. A Rafa special. As characteristic as the fight that doesn't fade. Ahead of the blockbuster quarter-final clash against the world No.1 Novak Djokovic, their 10th meeting at Roland Garros, Nadal was landing them softly. Typically, refusing to whip up the dust.
