Former World #1 Amelie Mauresmo lauds Rafael Nadal’s record of 14 French Open titles as “one of the greatest feats in sport in general.”
Mauresmo who currently attends the duties as the tournament director at French Open believes that Nadal and Parisian clay are “intimately linked” as she talked about Spaniard’s participation at the event in 2024.
The 22-time Grand Slam champion arrived in Paris today ahead of what could be his final French Open appearance. Nadal’s with his mindboggling record of 14 French Open crowns holds the greatest feat of achieving a maximum number of titles at a single majors venue.
The 38-year-old won his maiden GS and Roland Garros title in 2005 while he claimed his 22nd major and most recently title at any level in 2022. Nadal holds a staggering 112-3 (97%) record at the Parisian clay from his 18 campaigns at the tournament.
In an interview with Eurosport, Mauresmo praised former World No. 1’s achievements at the French major as she addressed the grueling demands of the Paris crown.
“It’s too hard to say where it fits in (Nadal’s record). I think that physically, mentally, it’s a pretty amazing performance. In 20 years of Roland Garros, not even 18, to win 14 times is unreal,” said the 2-time major champion.
“At the best of five sets, we’re on a surface that’s probably the most demanding on the circuit all year round. For me, it’s one of the greatest feats in sport in general.”
The Frenchwoman also spoke about the prospect of Nadal competing at the Roland Garros for one last time in his career.
“In fact, I’m taking a step back from it, in the sense that he’s in control. And even then, it’s not necessarily him completely. I know that it’s his body that’s going to dictate his decision,” explained Mauresmo.
“So I’m a bit philosophical about the whole thing. Of course, we want to see him here. We want to see him at Roland Garros. He’s at home here.
“As he himself says, it’s the most important tournament of his career. Rafa and Roland Garros, their stories are intimately linked now.
“We want to see him here again. But physically, I don’t think he’s had any problems in the last few tournaments he’s played. So we’re keen to see him. I hope he arrives soon.
“Their stories are intimately linked, in a way that’s unique in the history of this sport and of sports in general, in my opinion. The legend between the two, I don’t know, I can’t find the right word, but it’s unique. For me, it’s unique.
“The tournament has its own history with Rafa, and that’s something that’s going to stay with us forever, because I don’t think anyone can match what he’s done here. Of course, the myth has helped the tournament grow too.”
The 2024 French Open will is scheduled to get underway from May 26 to June 9.