French Open plans tribute to honour Nadal on opening day

PARIS: The French Open will pay tribute to record 14-times champion Rafa Nadal on the opening day of the Grand Slam next month, a year after the Spaniard played his final match on the clay of Roland Garros, organisers said on Thursday.

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Nadal fell to his earliest French Open exit after a first-round defeat by Alexander Zverev last year but did not say then if it was the last time that his adoring Parisian fans would watch him in action at the major.

The 22-times Grand Slam champion eventually called time on his glittering career after representing Spain in the Davis Cup in November and will now return to his happiest hunting ground for a grand celebration of his achievements.

"Rafa made history at Roland Garros and his 14 titles will perhaps remain unequalled," tournament director and twice Grand Slam champion Amelie Mauresmo told reporters.