WATCH: Rafael Nadal arrives in Paris for what can be his final Grand Slam appearance at Roland Garros

Nadal will be on hunt for his 15th title at the French Open.

WATCH: Rafael Nadal arrives in Paris for what can be his final Grand Slam appearance at Roland Garros

Rafael Nadal arrives in Paris (Via Imago/screengrab X)

Rafael Nadal‘s participation at the Roland Garros has been ambiguous for the past two months. But, after a recent announcement of his participation, the Spanish star finally arrived for the tournament after 715 days away.

There are reports that he will be having his first training this evening on the Philippe-Chatrier center court. Rafa has won the French Open a record 14 times, a feat impossible for future generations of players to reach. He first won the title in 2005, beating Mariano Puerta in the final, and last won it in 2022.

However, he is returning to the Roland Garros after 18 months of struggle with his body and injury. The 37-year-old was missing for almost the entirety of the 2023 season due to injury. Despite a comeback this year, he has yet to fulfill the expectations of fans.

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In his first tournament, he played well, reaching the quarterfinals of the Brisbane International. But two consecutive withdrawals from Masters 1000 tournaments brought his final season to question.

Surprisingly, he played at the Barcelona Open, reaching the second round. He followed it up by participating in the Madrid Open. He received a grand ovation in Madrid after exiting in the round of 16. Despite a good run in Madrid, he lost to Hubert Hurkacz in the second round of the Italian Open.

Nadal has put his struggles behind him as he hopes to make a statement at the Roland Garros, his first Grand Slam event since the 2023 Australian Open. His arrival at the French Open was posted on the official page of the Roland Garros on X (formerly known as Twitter). “Rafa is back in Paris,” the caption reads.

Meanwhile, Nadal is scheduled to play a competitive training, as the likes of Tallon Griekspoor and Stefanos Tsitsipas are already in line to practice with the 22-time Grand Slam champion.

Rafael Nadal admits he’s happier ahead of the Roland Garros

Rafael Nadal has revealed that he feels happy and comfortable ahead of the Roland Garros. The Spanish ace is expected to have his training session today with fans in the stands. This seems a good preparation for Nadal as the French Open starts on May 26.

Rafael Nadal
Rafael Nadal (Image via Imago)

The last time he played at the 2022 French Open, he defeated Casper Ruud in the final to claim the title.

I feel much more comfortable and happier today than one week and a half ago.
Rafael Nadal said after his elimination in the second round of the Rome Masters

However, he added that he trained with some top players in Mallorca and was almost the same level as them. Perhaps Nadal is hoping to get to his competitive rhythm, which has always brought the best out of him.

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