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RAFAEL Nadal will be honoured in a ceremony at this year’s French Open tennis event, says tournament director Amelie Mauresmo.
The Spanish great, who retired in November, won 14 of his 22 Grand Slam titles at Roland Garros.
No other player has won as many singles titles at one Grand Slam event as Nadal at the French Open. The 38-year-old claimed his final Grand Slam title there in 2022.
Mauresmo said a ceremony would be held on Court Philippe Chatrier at the end of the day session on May 25.
“Rafa made history at Roland Garros and his 14 titles will perhaps remain unequalled,” two-time major champion Mauresmo said.
“The idea is to have a vision for the future and also to celebrate those who thrilled us in the past.”
Nadal lost to eventual runner-up Alexander Zverev in his final French Open appearance last year.
The tournament will also honour the retiring Richard Gasquet and 2000 champion Mary Pierce.
The French Open – the second major of the year – takes place from 25 May-8 June.
Prize money for the tournament has also increased by 5,21 percent, rising to €56,3 million. The men’s semi-final will not begin before 7pm local time, having started at 5.30pm last year.
French Tennis Federation president Gilles Moretton said the tournament would not replace line judges with electronic line calling. The French Open is the only one of the four majors that still has line judges, with Wimbledon bringing in electric line calling this year.
“I think we are right to keep our referees and linesmen at Roland Garros,” Moretton said.
“The federation wants to keep our referees for as long as we can. I hope we’ll be able to maintain it in our tournaments in the future.” – BBC Sport/Sports Reporter.
Online Reporter