Rafael Nadal was at his relentless best against David Goffin on Court Philippe-Chatrier, scene of his 11 Roland Garros triumphs, in a 6-1, 6-3, 4-6, 6-3 victory on Friday for a place in fourth round for the 14th time.
Ten years to the day since the tennis world shifted on its axis when Nadal fell to Robin Soderling in the 2009 fourth round, the Spanish superstar improved to an 89-2 record at Roland Garros, the Grand Slam championship he has dominated since his first title in 2005.
When asked about his mindset when stepping on court, Nadal admitted, "[It's to] play well and win. That's all. My mindset is just go on court with a plan and with clear ideas. And, of course, it's not the same when you are playing well. When you are playing so-so, when you are playing bad, it's always a different approach. That's part of the competition, and that's the sport."
Three days shy of his 33rd birthday, Nadal will now rest to prepare for a Last 16 clash against Argentine Juan Ignacio Londero, who completed an emotional 2-6, 6-3, 6-4, 5-7, 6-4 win over French wild card Corentin Moutet in three hours and 28 minutes on Court 14.
"He (Londero) plays very well right now," said Nadal. "I think it's going to be a very difficult match, demanding, but I'm prepared to fight at a very high level."
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