The Big Three Vie at the French Open, Each With His Own Motivation

Rafael Nadal, Novak Djokovic and Roger Federer are all playing for history, and are almost guaranteed to meet on the way to the men’s final at Roland Garros.

PARIS — One of them focuses on numbers, hoping they will produce the validation he has always craved. Another one has come to play on the court that turns him into an apotheosis of his sport, and to protect this place as his personal kingdom. The third yearns for whatever there is left, and prepares for what comes next.