In the buildup to Rafael Nadal’s French Open quarter-final clash with Novak Djokovic last Tuesday, some doubt surrounded Nadal ahead of his greatest challenge. He was not in particularly good form, barely surviving Félix Auger-Aliassime in the fourth round. He was playing catch up after his recent rib stress fracture and competing after his chronic foot ailment flared up. The match was scheduled at night where his heavy topspin could be neutered in cold, slow conditions.
The outcome of that match and everything that followed, with Nadal rising to win his 14th French Open title and 22nd grand slam, further underlines what he has shown for long. No matter his age, his own preparations, nor the revelation that he played a two-week tournament with part of his foot under anaesthetic, Nadal’s dominance at Roland Garros transcends all.
