Rafael Nadal is set to be handed a new role at the French Open after retiring from tennis last year.
The 14-time winner ended his illustrious career with a record of 112 wins and just four losses in the men’s singles at Roland Garros.
His heroics on the iconic clay court will be honoured on the opening day of this year’s tournament.
A ceremony will take place on Court Philippe-Chatrier on May 25, tournament director Amelie Mauresmo has announced.
Mauresmo said: “Rafa made history at Roland Garros and his 14 titles will perhaps remain unequalled.
“The idea is to have a vision for the future and also to celebrate those who thrilled us in the past.”
Nadal won the last of his French Open titles in 2022 despite essentially playing on one foot.
His battle with injuries required the Spaniard to take injections in his left foot to compete, causing numbness as he triumphed in the final.
Although Mauresmo did not elaborate on the nature of the ceremony, it is confirmed to take place following the day session on Sunday May 25.
Nadal will also become an ambassador for the tournament having made 18 appearances in the men’s singles draw in Paris.
Meanwhile, Mauresmo also revealed the prize money for this year’s tournament.
A total prize pot of €56.3 million (£48.3m) is on offer, representing a five per cent increase from the 2024 edition.
Line judges will also remain in use at the event, instead of being replaced by electronic line calling.
The French Open is the only one of the four Grand Slams to still use line judges after Wimbledon made the switch last year.
Clarifying the decision, French Tennis Federation president Gilles Moretton explained: “I think we are right to keep our referees and linesmen at Roland Garros.
“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.”
Nadal will not be the only player honoured prior to the tournament, though.
French tennis great Mary Pierce will also have her own ceremony at Roland Garros.
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Pierce won the women’s singles and doubles, the latter alongside Martina Hingis, at the 2000 French Open.
She will also be inducted into the Tennis Hall of Fame as part of her ceremony.
