I know, that doesn’t quite work with my line-of-reasoning, but what does make sense in all of this? All kinds of strange plot twists: Christmas in May . . . or it’s an early birthday present for Nadal? The Spaniard’s major draws are the gifts that keep-on giving.

He’s blessed, kissed by the French princess — oh what a beautiful story.

Here’s what he has left to get to QF:

• Maden (not John Madden, the NFL icon)
• Goffin (almost out of the top 30)
• Moutet/Pella
• Gasquet/Londero

Of course, Medvedev is gone, so Rafa’s QF looks like (especially after Tsonga and Nishikori play tomorrow) merde d’escargot. Djere, de Minaur? Wild card Popyrin?

All I care about at this point is that Novak looks quite locked-in. Watching Federer breeze looks good, too. Let’s see a Fedal SF, followed by a Djokodal final.

I’m quite interested in seeing Tsitsipas, Thiem and Juan Martin advance, as well. Of course.

I know you want to ignore the dark cloud hanging over Roland Garros right now.

There are a lot of things you want to ignore.

Tough to take this seriously, given the lack of competitive integrity of that draw (and as it is only a tennis tournament). But somehow the herd’s ignorance of these shenanigans maintains a certain consistency, of apathy, a certain stink.

I see that FAA has withdrawn. He was fighting a groin/leg issue in Lyon, where he succumbed to Paire in that final.

Maybe Paire emerges and plays Nadal in that QF. 😀

Nice slate of matches tomorrow.

Enjoy.