Fans go to Roland Garros to witness Rafael Nadal test clay

Even during a practice session for a tournament he may potentially skip, Rafael Nadal (37) remained a magnet for spectators at Roland Garros on Monday.

Six days ahead of the tournament’s commencement, the 14-time French Open champion took to the Central Court in Paris on Monday afternoon, with several thousand fans filling the stands.

Nadal had not graced the Parisian clay courts since his last title victory in 2022 when he battled through the fortnight with his left foot numbed due to Mueller-Weiss syndrome, a persistent ailment that has plagued him since he was 18 years old.

Despite it being a routine training session, the Spanish tennis icon entered the Philippe-Chatrier Court to the cheers of around 6,000 spectators, who had gathered on the opening day of qualifiers.

Even five minutes prior to the scheduled start of his session, chants of “Rafa, Rafa, Rafa” echoed throughout the three-quarters-filled stadium.

The 22-time Grand Slam champion, whose career has been marred by injuries since January of last year, is contemplating participating in the tournament for the final time, but only if he feels adequately prepared.