Nadal is known as The King of Clay for a reason: 14 of his 22 major titles came at Roland-Garros. The Spaniard won his first French Open in 2005, just days after his 19th birthday, before going on an unprecedented run at the tournament over the following two decades. Nadal won his final French Open in 2022, days after turning 36.

Nadal, a 14-time Roland Garros champion whose record may never be surpassed, was honored by tennis rivals Novak Djokovic and Roger Federer.

Fourteen-time French Open winner Rafael Nadal is honoured by the return of Roger Federer, Novak Djokovic and Andy Murray in an emotional ceremony at Roland-Garros.

Sixteen Australians will feature in the first round of the French Open, which commences in Paris on Sunday evening (AEST).No. 9 seed Alex de Minaur will lead the charge on the men's side after reaching the quarter-final at the event last year.

A tennis nation with an eye for the spectacular is getting closer to refuting the idea that it is all showmanship and no substance

Rafa Nadal said the presence of his friends and rivals Roger Federer, Novak Djokovic and Andy Murray during a celebration of his glorious career at the French Open made an emotional Sunday evening all the more special.

Roland Garros will pay tribute to its greatest champion with a ceremony for the retired Rafael Nadal on Sunday, while Aryna Sabalenka got her French Open campaign up and running with an emphatic victory.