By Chris Oddo | @TheFanChild | Sunday May 26, 2019

Rafael Nadal dropped a set for the first time this year at Roland Garros but the King of Clay is still into the round of 16 without too much trouble. He defeated David Goffin on Friday in Paris, 6-1 6-3 4-6 6-3.

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

Brutal and Efficient

Rafa on clay + another level of intensity and execution = Rafa at Roland Garros. That’s how it always has been and that’s how it appears to be once again in 2019. Sure, Nadal dropped a set to Goffin on Day 6 but it took a near perfect effort from the Belgian to get it done. He got out of his comfort zone and cracked 17 winners against 4 unforced errors to do damage in the third, but Nadal quickly answered back to close the match in two hours and 49 minutes.

Simply put Nadal is a different animal altogether in Paris, where he now owns a 89-2 lifetime record. The best-of-five format, the spacious environs of Court Philippe Chatrier, his immense experience and knowledge of the nuance of the court--they all serve to make him lethal at Roland Garros.

First Challenge Accepted and Rebuffed

Nadal had to work hard in this match to ensure that he didn’t slip and get taken to five sets against Goffin. It’s not necessarily a bad thing for Nadal as it gave him the chance to really work up a lather and do some problem solving. He wouldn’t want to cruise through all six round and end up a little too comfortable with his game and his results. Or would he?

The Draw is Rafa’s Friend

Speaking of cruising through the draw, Nadal’s next two rounds don’t look very tricky. He’ll face Juan Ignacio Londero in the round of 16, and either Kei Nishikori or Benoit Paire in the quarter-finals.

Londero entered the draw with zero main draw Grand Slam wins to his name, and he’ll likely be nothing more than Rafa fodder out there on Chatrier for the first time—no offense, Londero’s been a great story, we’re just being realistic. In the quarter-final Nishikori could be a test for Rafa, but to do so he’ll have to save his energy by taking care of Paire quickly—what are the odds of that happening?

Return(s) on Investment

Nadal has been wreaking havoc on opposing servers in Paris. Through three rounds he has won 44 percent of his return games and converted 58 percent of his break point opportunities. Most of his return success can be contributed to his domination of baseline play—he has won 58 percent of his baseline points (189/326) in week one.

Shot of the Tournament?

When he needs to, Nadal has demonstrated his flair and capacity for magic. Check out this magnificent spin-o-rama flick into the open court from his second-round win over Yannick Maden.