Even fewer see their achievements recognised while they are still playing. Yet at Roland Garros, a 10ft steel sculpture of Rafael Nadal has stood at its gates since 2021, the great Spaniard locked in a position of typical intensity as he launches himself into a ferocious forehand. Nadal’s statue stands alongside the “Four Musketeers” of French tennis, Jean Borotra, Jacques Brugnon, Henri Cochet and Rene Lacoste, the men who, between them, swept Roland Garros between 1924 and 1932. As a result, the trophy awarded to the men’s singles champion at the French Open is called the Coupe des Mousquetaires.
It is the Spaniard, though, who will leave behind an even greater impact at Roland Garros, with Nadal lifting the Coupe des Mousquetaires a record 14 times. Since first arriving in Paris, the kid from Mallorca in his baggy shorts and sleeveless Tees, Nadal has obliterated records and dominated the French Open in a manner that has transcended the sport. The “king of clay” won his first title as a 19-year-old in 2005 and won his 14th as a 36year-old in 2022, a lifetime of triumph. In total, Nadal has played 115 matches at Roland Garros, winning 112 and losing just three. A win percentage of 97 per cent is the highest of any player at a grand slam, unmatched in tennis history.
This story is from the May 22, 2024 edition of The Independent.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the May 22, 2024 edition of The Independent.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
'It's difficult. What do you tell someone who's dead?'
They can talk to them, see them and their voices sound real Zoë Beaty meets the grieving parents and partners using ghostbot technology that is making life after death a reality
Ditching the Deutsche
In an already crowded market, can the Renault Rafale E-Tech be the SUV that stands out? Sean O'Grady finds that even 'little puffs of wind' can breathe new life into familiar designs
The gallery that was built by 20th century modern artists
Amy Fleming visits the Maeght Foundation as it celebrates its 60th birthday with an exhibition that recalls the closeness its founders shared with painters such as Matisse and Braque
Europe's youth blinded by vision of new 'golden dawn'
From the Greek Spartans' ascension to France's National Rally, Georgios Samaras follows the march of the far right across Europe and its growing sinister appeal to young voters
Howzat?! Have Americans finally been bowled over?
The T20 World Cup shows the US's love affair with cricket has been far from smooth, as Cameron Ponsonby explains
Defending champions Italy are in a dog fight to qualify
The opening montages of Euro 2024 are certain to include some recent history.
Nightmare start but there remains a sliver of hope
Is it too soon for the meme from Trainspotting? It feels like it should be too soon for the meme from Trainspotting.
Musiala wonder goal helps Germany thrash Scotland
If the start to 2006 was a famous “summer fairytale” for Germany, this could be the beginning of an even better story. It doesn’t want for youthful joy, either, as witnessed by the standing ovation for Jamal Musiala. For Scotland, there was only grim reality. There were some familiarities to that, too.
Bezos needs to be ready for the fight against Trump 2.0
Is there a more romantic newspaper than The Washington Post? Think Robert Redford and Dustin Hoffman as the crusading duo bringing down a US president with the growling encouragement of their cigar-chomping editor played by Jason Robards.
'We are being starved - the world has just forgotten us'
Families in Gaza asked to pay £70 for just a kilo of peppers
