Rafael Nadal, seventeen years of routine and glory in Paris, on the road to his last triumph?

This Friday, as he faces Alexander Zverev for 14th place in the Roland-Garros final, Rafael Nadal celebrates his 36th birthday in Paris. As per usual. Or almost. Since 2005, the Spaniard, who leaves only crumbs to his opponents (110 wins for 3 losses), has only missed the opportunity to cut the cake three times, in 2009 (beaten by Söderling in 8th), 2016 (forfeit before its 3rd round) and 2020 (postponement of the tournament in October). “And I didn’t find it terrible,” smiles the world No. 5.