New Delhi, April 26 -- On 25 May, the opening day of the 2025 French Open, the year's second Grand Slam tournament will pay tribute to Rafael Nadal on the Philippe-Chatrier court, its organisers announced last week.

Nadal, who won 14 singles titles at the Roland Garros, had an astonishing win-loss record of 112-4 over two decades. He extended his career towards the end, suffering through a series of injuries and long recovery periods, just so he could win one more title in Paris. Perhaps he felt that 15 would have been a good number to end at.

He didn't, losing in the first-round last year, which brought an end to his long, unique connection with the tournament. So strong is that connection that the Paris Olympics last year made him a t...