He is called the "King of Clay", among other things, after his successes in the French Championships.
Last autumn, Rafael Nadal announced that he was ending his tennis career.
On Sunday, the Spaniard was greatly honored at Roland Garros in a farewell ceremony.
I have played on this court for 20 years. I have suffered, I have won, I have lost. I have experienced many feelings on this court. Without a doubt, the most important tennis court in my career, says Nadal.
The 38-year-old played the French Championships for the first time in 2005 and won directly in his debut. Nadal would take another 14 titles in the French Championships, before he played his last tournament last year.
The first round of the French Championships began on Sunday, the tournament will continue until June 8.
