You cannot mention the French Open without Rafael Nadal’s name creeping up alongside it.
After all, the 38-year-old is synonymous with the event, given he is the greatest champion in its history.
A record that will likely never be broken, the 14-time winner saw his crusade in the French capital end last year in the very first round at the hands of Alexander Zverev, before retiring from the sport later that year.
It feels like Roland Garros never truly got to say goodbye to their greatest-ever competitor.
Fortunately, today will offer redemption as he returns for a tribute ceremony in his honour.
Rafael Nadal thanks Roland Garros for what they did in 2017
Before that, however, chatting with Roland Garros’ official YouTube channel, the King of Clay sat down to discuss his eternal legacy at the tournament.
After all, such is the legend he leaves behind, the Spaniard will be celebrated later today with a ceremony in his honour.
Speaking ahead of it, Rafael Nadal looked back on the fondest memories he has enjoyed on the Parisian clay, detailing one particular moment back in 2017 shared with the ‘most important person’ in his entire tennis career.
He stated: ‘Toni [Nadal] is the most important person in my tennis career, without a doubt. To have him on court giving me that trophy has been super special and unforgettable.
‘Back on this day, he had already said that it was going to be his last year being my coach so that makes the moment even more emotional. I can’t thank Roland Garros enough for letting me live that moment with my uncle on court.’
Zverev revealed his thoughts on beating Nadal at Roland Garros in 2024 in his pre-tournament press conference, cutting an unsurprisingly downbeat figure.
Where and how to watch Rafael Nadal’s French Open ceremony
Nadal’s ceremony will take place today, on Sunday the 25th of May.
And although there is no exact start time planned, the rough commencement can be approximated given fans were told it would begin after the three day-session matches on Philippe Chatrier were over.
Therefore, that should be around 5 or 6 pm local time, or around 4 or 5 pm UK time.
It will be available to watch on TNT Sport for UK viewers, with French Open tournament director Amelie Mauresmo offering some brief details on what to expect.
He said: ‘Winning 14 times here is such a special memory for him, such a special relationship between the tournament and Rafa.
‘He also wants something simple, authentic, and true, just like he is. So we try to fit that order, let’s say.’
