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The King of Clay takes time to reflect on his incredible success at Roland Garros.

After his victory over Roger Federer on Friday in Paris improved his all-time record in Roland Garros semi-finals to 12-0, Rafael Nadal was asked how he felt about his incredible achievements in Paris, and the fact that he might double the great Bjorn Borg in all-time titles. His answer gave us all a glimpse into his humble outlook on life and in tennis, and also some insight into how he manages to stay hungry despite the fact that he has already broken every record that there is to break on a clay court and at Roland Garros.

“[It] is incredible, being honest, no?” said Nadal as a roomful of reporters laughed. “Is something very special and difficult to explain, but here we are.”

It may be incredible—mind-blowing might be a better description—but Nadal says he doesn’t have time to think about it. Certainly not right now, as he prepares to battle in Sunday's final, where he could win a record 12th Roland Garros title.

“The day that we start thinking about if it's incredible or not probably will be the day to do another thing,” he said. “So what I have to do today is not think about if it's incredible, because it's a real thing for me.”

Nadal says he has chosen to ignore the success so that he can train his mind to pursue more of it. Even if all of his greatest trophies are kept at his Academy in Mallorca, where he frequently visits and trains, for Nadal, they are out of sight and out of mind.

“Even if it's something I never dreamed about five, six, eight years ago, it's happening today,” he said. “And my goal is just try to keep going. Is not about have excess of ambition but is about just try to keep enjoying the things that I am doing.”

Nadal says there will be time to reflect on when he’s struck his last forehand in anger and hung up his racquets for the last time.

“I hope to have a lot of time to think about it when I stop my tennis career,” he said. “Today is about just enjoying the day today. Of course it have been a very important achievement for me. Being in final of Roland Garros again means a lot again and especially coming back from not an easy situation for all the injuries that I had. Being able to recover the level that I had the last couple of weeks is something that I am very proud of.

“And I am just focused on keep going and keep doing my thing well.”

Call it a dream, call it a gem. Whatever you call it there's no denying that the FFT has outdone themselves with new Court Simonne-Mathieu. It’s been called simply, “a dream.” It’s quickly been deemed the most charming showcourt in Grand Slam tennis. It’s a stunning architectural achievement that merges the bounty of nature and modernity of construction into one appealing package.

Ready? Play!

Enjoying a bit of what lovely court Simonne-Mathieu has to offer. Madison Keys up a set on Blinkova. #RG19 pic.twitter.com/ICdenCY0iN

— TennisNow (@Tennis_Now) June 1, 2019

It’s the new Court Simonne-Mathieu, and it’s lovingly nestled into a greenhouse on all four corners on the far east end of the Roland Garros grounds. Stroll east from the fabled Bullring, past the Quotidien stand and down the promenade which is flanked by the Jardin des Serres d’auteuil on the north and the Orangerie on the south, and voila! The court reveals itself in subtle fashion.

You see overlapping clear glass windows forming a roundish façade. Peer through and see the greenhouse in full bloom. Walk north and turn at the corner and there is a grand esplanade where venders sell snacks and orange, reclining lawnchairs are clustered in front of a giant screen.

And that’s just the beginning. Step into this magnificent structure and don’t adjust your glasses—this is real. One can stroll the perimeter of this sunken court on the ground level and view the Simonne’s terre battue from many different perspectives. You don’t need to take your seat when play is live—feel free to roam the perimeter and peek through, shifting your vantage point at every changeover.

Or if you’ve walked enough, by all means grab your seat—there isn’t a bad one in the house. It’s intimate, cozy and pleasing to be there. One can lounge in the shade and peek out over the stadium at the tall trees beyond or stare down at the surface to watch the the play of the light on the clay as the sun begins to set.

There’s a reason everybody is raving about the new Court Simonne-Mathieu. It is not only a perfect way to take in the tennis, it is also a perfect way for fans to enjoy nature and feel the effect of going for a summer stroll, far from the gridlocked west side of the grounds where fans are packed like sardines on the Grand Allée Marcel-Bernard.

As you might have imagined, Tennis Now spent quite a bit of time out on Court Simonne-Mathieu this year, recording our daily podcasts there, watching practice and watching live matches. Here’s some photos to give you the lay of the land…

The Walk west from Court Simonne-Mathieu back to the Bullring.

A view from the far east end of the court…

Sitting in the media seats…

Another sweet vantage point…

And another…

And another…

Nice shadows for morning practice…

Love the checkerboard pattern on the clay from shadows…

Don't walk on the grass and stuff….

The view of the Stadium as one approaches from west.

Les Jardins des Serres d'Auteuil…

As you walk east there is signage to the left which gives the explanation of the project and the history of Simonne-Mathieu…

Seriously, you can't beat it…

That's Madison Keys down there…

Nice symmetry from the corners…

You can feel the sunkenness… and the seat colors are lovely…

A truly unique construction…

Le pano…

And the perfect perch…

Garbine Muguruza is 27-5 lifetime at Roland Garros, and looking like a favorite again…

Garbiñe Muguruza has powered through her last six sets here in Paris after dropping the first set of her first round match with Taylor Townsend on Court Simonne Mathieu. Not considered by many as a title contender before the tournament started but she most certainly will be if she can get through to the quarter-finals.

Here are five takeaways from Muguruza’s hot run so far in Paris.

Garbi Loves Paris

The record says it all. 2016 champion Muguruza is 27-5 lifetime at Roland Garros and she is one of just two players in the draw that has a semi-final strike rate of greater than 33 percent (she has reached at least the semis on two of her six appearances).

“I feel very good in this tournament,” she told Tennis Now on Friday in Paris. “I have always loved it since I was a little girl. I also love the clay court. Yeah, I don't know what is about French Open that gives me always, like, a nice mood and my tennis develops much better.”

French Twist

Now living in Switzerland, Muguruza says that she has been learning French and she was eager to show the crowd what she had learned after her victory over Elina Svitolina on Court Philippe Chatrier on Friday.

“I have been living already for almost four years in Switzerland in the French part, and I have, for a long time also, have on my team my trainer, is French, and my coach, as well. So I guess it's now or never,” she said. “I'm putting the work in, and obviously I have a chance to speak here. I don't want to miss it.”

Next? Sloane Stephens?

If Sloane Stephens defeats Petra Martic on Friday, Muguruza will face last year’s runner-up in the round of 16. It’s a tough draw but the Spaniard has the right mentality about every match in Roland Garros.

“I try to approach each match like a final,” said Muguruza in press on Friday.

The Draw Looks Good Past Stephens

The winner of the potential Stephens/Muguruza match will sit very nicely in the draw on the bottom half. None of Muguruza’s potential quarter-final opponents (Bencic/Vekic/Konta/Kuzmova) have ever been past the third round in Paris. Two-time Roland Garros quarter-finalist Kaia Kanepi lurks as a potential semi-final opponent, but Muguruza would surely be favored if that match occurred.

It’s Not any Single thing—It’s Everything

No single stat of Muguruza’s really jumps off the page. She’s winning 81 percent of her service games (tied for 10th among remaining players) and 50 percent of her return games (tied for 19th). But she’s playing confidently on both sides of the ball and starting to feel her stride on the surface that she loves.

Most of all, she’s playing with poise and playing relaxed. Getting past a difficult first round has proven to be the perfect tonic for the Spaniard. It’s a brand new year but the same gifted Muguruza, and it shouldn’t come as a surprise that she is steadily emerging as a title contender.

“I don't try to compare, but I have a very clear purpose in my mind that I'm trying to follow it, to chase it, to improve, to hold the trophies, and being patient, it's key for that,” she said.

Novak Djokovic is in cruise control as he opens his bid for the Nole Slam in Paris.

Novak Djokovic has lost eight games in each of his first two matches in Paris, and after today’s second-round win over Henri Laaksonen he is looking primed to make a run at the Nole Slam.

Here are five takeaways from Djokovic’s first two matches.

Everything’s Working, but He’s Not Working Hard

Djokovic has been pretty much flawless in his first two rounds and he has not even needed to step it up and raise his level. He has spent 3:09 on court and won 82 percent of his first-serve points along with 63 percent of his second-serve points. Occasionally the World No.1 has made incredible shots on the stretch or made ridiculous backhand winners, but most important is the fact that Djokovic has not let either of his opponents threaten him in a single set. Energy saved is energy that can be used in the later rounds, and so far Djokovic is running with a full tank.

Caruso Next Could be a Blessing

The draw is being kind to Djokovic and he is playing the type of tennis to take advantage. He’ll face Salvatore Caruso, an Italian qualifier, next. That could be his last chance to saunter through a match as Borna Coric could be his round of 16 opponent—so Djokovic would be wise to come out focus and finish his first week with another blowout.

Ladies and Gentlemen, this is your captain speaking – we have lift off. ✈️🎾

Novak Djokovic has booked his place in the 3rd round in Paris in flying fashion.#PlayTheUnplayable #ASICSTennis

📷 Sindy Thomas pic.twitter.com/wcO81E1GET

— ASICS Tennis (@ASICSTennis) May 30, 2019

Stefan’s in the House!

After his win out on Court Suzanne Lenglen Djokovic said in his on-court interview that it was a very special day for him because it was the first time that his son Stefan had watched a full match of his. "It's a very special day for me as it's the first time in my life that I have played in front of my son," said Djokovic in French to the crowd. “He showed incredible patience to sit there for an hour and a half. Usually, he's not that patient with tennis."

Those who recall how important Stefan was to Djokovic at Wimbledon last year, know that this is a sign of how switched on he is spiritually as he ramps up his quest.

Thiem’s Tank?

Dominic Thiem lost another set today, and he’s going to face a very skilled clay-courter in Pablo Cuevas next. That contest will likely be followed by a round of 16 encounter with Gael Monfils. Theim’s more than fit enough to handle it, but it looks like if the potential semi-final between Djokovic and Thiem occurs, Djokovic will be the far fresher player. At a tournament where margins are razor thin and every edge makes a difference, this can only be good news for Novak Djokovic.

Running through the Gears…

Djokovic is a race car no doubt, but he hasn’t taken off too much tread from his tires here in Paris (just like Nadal and Federer). Heck he has barely gotten out of third gear in his first two matches. He’ll want to do that at some point, at least for a spell for a few tense games, before he takes part in the marquee matchups that are sure to crystallize in week two, but for now everything is setting up perfectly. Djokovic is conserving energy and in cruise control after two rounds in Paris.

“Just two very solid matches,” Djokovic told reporters on Thursday in Paris. “I didn't drop the level too much. Maybe a few games in every — the first two matches, I had maybe a little drop of concentration where I lost my serve, but other than that, very solid, as I played as much as I need to play to win in straight sets. Didn't spend too much time on the court. So all is going in the right direction.”

Novak Djokovic is in cruise control as he opens his bid for the Nole Slam in Paris.

Novak Djokovic has lost eight games in each of his first two matches in Paris, and after today’s second-round win over Henri Laaksonen he is looking primed to make a run at the Nole Slam.

Here are five takeaways from Djokovic’s first two matches.

Everything’s Working, but He’s Not Working Hard

Djokovic has been pretty much flawless in his first two rounds and he has not even needed to step it up and raise his level. He has spent 3:09 on court and won 82 percent of his first-serve points along with 63 percent of his second-serve points. Occasionally the World No.1 has made incredible shots on the stretch or made ridiculous backhand winners, but most important is the fact that Djokovic has not let either of his opponents threaten him in a single set. Energy saved is energy that can be used in the later rounds, and so far Djokovic is running with a full tank.

Caruso Next Could be a Blessing

The draw is being kind to Djokovic and he is playing the type of tennis to take advantage. He’ll face Salvatore Caruso, an Italian qualifier, next. That could be his last chance to saunter through a match as Borna Coric could be his round of 16 opponent—so Djokovic would be wise to come out focus and finish his first week with another blowout.

Ladies and Gentlemen, this is your captain speaking – we have lift off. ✈️🎾

Novak Djokovic has booked his place in the 3rd round in Paris in flying fashion.#PlayTheUnplayable #ASICSTennis

📷 Sindy Thomas pic.twitter.com/wcO81E1GET

— ASICS Tennis (@ASICSTennis) May 30, 2019

Stefan’s in the House!

After his win out on Court Suzanne Lenglen Djokovic said in his on-court interview that it was a very special day for him because it was the first time that his son Stefan had watched a full match of his. "It's a very special day for me as it's the first time in my life that I have played in front of my son," said Djokovic in French to the crowd. “He showed incredible patience to sit there for an hour and a half. Usually, he's not that patient with tennis."

Those who recall how important Stefan was to Djokovic at Wimbledon last year, know that this is a sign of how switched on he is spiritually as he ramps up his quest.

Thiem’s Tank?

Dominic Thiem lost another set today, and he’s going to face a very skilled clay-courter in Pablo Cuevas next. That contest will likely be followed by a round of 16 encounter with Gael Monfils. Theim’s more than fit enough to handle it, but it looks like if the potential semi-final between Djokovic and Thiem occurs, Djokovic will be the far fresher player. At a tournament where margins are razor thin and every edge makes a difference, this can only be good news for Novak Djokovic.

Running through the Gears…

Djokovic is a race car no doubt, but he hasn’t taken off too much tread from his tires here in Paris (just like Nadal and Federer). Heck he has barely gotten out of third gear in his first two matches. He’ll want to do that at some point, at least for a spell for a few tense games, before he takes part in the marquee matchups that are sure to crystallize in week two, but for now everything is setting up perfectly. Djokovic is conserving energy and in cruise control after two rounds in Paris.

“Just two very solid matches,” Djokovic told reporters on Thursday in Paris. “I didn't drop the level too much. Maybe a few games in every — the first two matches, I had maybe a little drop of concentration where I lost my serve, but other than that, very solid, as I played as much as I need to play to win in straight sets. Didn't spend too much time on the court. So all is going in the right direction.”

Today on the Lucky Letcord we bring you press snippets live from Paris, where Victoria Azarenka is primed for a battle against the World No.1.

Today on the Lucky Letcord Podcast we look ahead to Day 4 of Roland Garros and break down some of the first-round action that we've seen over the first three days.

We get press snippets from Victoria Azarenka, who looks forward to a second-round clash with Naomi Osaka.

How does Vika feel about the new court Simonne-Mathieu?

And how does she feel about facing the World No.1 so early in the draw. We also chat in press with Bianca Andreescu about her first Roland Garros main draw win. Is she going to celebrate the win?

What makes her so good in three-setters?

And how did she prepare for the third set of the match after her first-round contest with Marie Bouzkova was called due to darkness after two sets on Monday?

This and more in today's podcast. Thanks for listening and enjoy Roland Garros!

The Swiss has been extremely solid in his first Roland Garros appearance since 2019.

Roger’s back at #RG and he’s marched through six sets without too much trouble in Paris. Next up the 2009 champion will face Casper Ruud of Norway.

Here are five takeaways from Federer’s performance through two rounds in Paris.

He’s Loose

From first ball on Day 1, Federer has played loose, confident tennis. Things were complicated today against Otte at times, but Federer saved all four break points he faced and was never really in any kind of big trouble. He looks fluid, his shot selection makes perfect sense and he’s connecting the dots extremely well in rallies.

He’s also firing on serve, connecting on 75 percent of his first offering and winning 80 percent of those points. You do the math—he’s not going to get broken very often with those numbers.

Federer is also loose in terms of his expectations here in Paris. This might be a more important contributing factor with regard to his potential success. Asked before the tournament if he felt he could win the title he didn’t seem to have an answer. In fact, it didn’t even seem to matter. He just wants to experience the tennis and play his best. As long as he doesn’t suffer some kind of injury ahead of Wimbledon his first trip to Roland Garros will be a major success for him.

He’s a very dangerous animal when he’s playing care-free like that and the more he can keep it up the more dangerous he will be for the top players he faces in week two.

Experience is Helping Him

Federer’s next opponent, 20-year-old Casper Ruud, is a talented clay-courter from Norway. He was also born about six months before Federer made his first main draw appearance at Roland Garros. This fact is not just a novelty, there’s an advantage to be gained from all of Federer’s vast experience, and he’ll use it in the next round and in all the rounds to come. With 344 Grand Slam wins under his belt, Federer knows a thing about dealing with the types of pressure that come with the Grand Slam stage.

Meanwhile, Ruud won his third match at a Grand Slam today. He’s got some catching up to do.

Maestro Mode

Let’s not forget that Federer is without a doubt one of the best clay-court tennis players of all time and this is because of his tremendous variety and tennis IQ. Behold some of the drop shots that Federer can hit on this surface, or the way that only five players still in the draw have come to the net more than him.

Federer can do it all on this surface, and he uses his serve on clay as a point-starter. It has enabled him to win 28 of his 29 service games while only hitting 10 aces through two rounds.

The Next Two Matches Are Key!

With Stefanos Tsitsipas looming as a potential quarter-final match, Federer will want to be aggressive, keep holding his serve and power through his next two matches as quickly as possible. He has spent just 3:17 on court thus far. With Ruud next and either Nicolas Mahut, Diego Schwartzman or Leonardo Mayer in the round of 16 he can really do himself a huge favor by winning with efficiency—he’s certainly playing well enough to do it.

So Far, So Good

The next round will likely be a tougher test, and it will surely be a wild ride in the second week, but for now Roger Federer’s clay court season has been an astounding success.

Nadal's Nikes celebrate his glorious Roland Garros history.
Rafael Nadal is leaving a festive French Open footprint on the red clay of Paris.

Nadal's Nikes celebrate his glorious Roland Garros history.

Watch: 5 Things We Learned From Nadal's RG Wins

The 11-time Roland Garros champion is wearing a special edition of the Nike Air Zoom Cage 3 Glove that celebrate his past Paris triumphs.

The zippered shroud of the shoe is practical pageantry designed to keep clay from creeping into his shoes and sporting a graphic from every shoe the king of clay has worn capturing his 11 Roland Garros crowns. 

Here's a closer look.

The multi-colored kicks are emblazoned with the number 11 to signify his title total with "Rafa" and Nadal's trademark bull logo on opposite heels.

So what happens to these commemorative shoes after Nadal wears them?

Nadal said he typically donates his shoes to charities, gives some to his cousin, who wears the same size, presents others as gifts of appreciation to tournament staffers and some find a home on exhibit in Nadal's museum, that also houses his Grand Slam silverware, on the grounds of the Rafa Nadal Academy in Mallorca.

"Honestly, every week we give gifts for foundations or trusts or charities, or people who have helped me through the tournament," Nadal said. "I make them gifts or my family, one of my cousins has the same-sized shoes as I have. Well, as usual, I take part in the decision. If I don't want to wear something, I don't wear it.

"But on this particular topic, Nike had the idea of doing something to celebrate my 11 victories here, which is why I have different shoes. The most important thing, anyway, was the fact that I should feel good in these shoes. I'm feeling very much at ease with these shoes, and I'm playing with them."

Photo credit: Getty Images/Nike

The Canadian stayed long enough to win her first main draw match at Roland Garros. The heavily anticipated first meeting of Bianca Andreescu and Serena Williams will have to wait—the 18-year-old Canadian sensation has withdrawn from her second-round match with American Sofia Kenin.

Bianca Andreescu has withdrawn ahead of her 2R vs. Sofia Kenin.

Kenin gets a walkover into the 3R and will face either Serena or Nara. #RG19

— WTA Insider (@WTA_insider) May 29, 2019

Andreescu, who made her return from a two-month layoff due to a shoulder injury on Day 3 with a three-set win over Marie Bouzkova, pulled out of her doubles match earlier in the day, citing the injury as the reason.

ROLAND GARROS: Concerning news – Bianca Andreescu has pulled out of her intended doubles match today alongside Fanny Stollar of Hungary. The reason cited is "right shoulder injury." No word yet on how this affects her second-round singles match on Thursday against Sofia Kenin

— Tom Tebbutt (@tomtebbutt) May 29, 2019

The Canadian is currently on a run of 11 consecutive wins in completed matches, but she did retire with an injury in her last match at Miami.

Kenin will move on to face either Serena Williams or Kurumi Nara in the third round. It is the American's first trip to the third round at Roland Garros (second main draw appearance).

More to follow…

The No.4 seed was considered one of the tournament's top favorite. One of the top favorites to win Roland Garros, and a No.4 seed, is out.

Kiki Bertens retired from her second-round match on Court Philippe Chatrier after four-plus games, citing an undisclosed illness. After meeting with doctors briefly she left the court, handing Slovakia’s Viktoria Kuzmova the trip to the third round.
The Madrid champion said she woke up early this morning vomiting and had no energy on court today.

"Yesterday I felt good. No problems at all," Bertens told the media in Paris. "I was practicing, resting, and I felt really well. Ready for today.

"And then this morning I woke up at 3:00, and then I felt really sick. Vomiting, diarrhea all night long, all day long. I felt a little bit better before the match. I had some sleep, and I just wanted to give it a try, but then as soon as I start warming up right before the match, it started again. Yeah, there was not any energy left."

Oh no 😰

Kiki Bertens, a favorite to win the title, forced to retire due to illness.

"I don't have any power and I don't feel well."

Very sad and unlucky for the love-able Dutchwoman. #RG19 pic.twitter.com/U8kQ9H1ojo

— Tennis Channel (@TennisChannel) May 29, 2019

Bertens, considered to be one of the WTA’s most lethal clay-courters, won the title in Madrid two weeks ago and entered today’s match with a 13-3 record on clay in 2019 and a 92-38 record on the surface overall. She was a semi-final here in Paris in 2016.

More to follow….