Nadal's 14 French Open titles 'one of the greatest feats in sport' – Mauresmo

Rafael Nadal’s 14 French Open titles has been described as “one of the greatest feats in sport” by Roland-Garros tournament director Amelie Mauresmo.

Nadal’s first title on the Parisian dirt came in 2005, beating Mariano Puerta in the final, with his most recent coming in 2022.

Nadal suffered a fitness setback at the Brisbane International in January, forcing him to miss three months of tennis as the season began.

Speaking to Eurosport, Mauresmo was in awe of Nadal’s achievements in Paris.

She said: “It’s too hard to say where it fits in. 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.

“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.”

With all the anticipation on seeing Nadal play in one more French Open, Mauresmo explained she is not putting too much weight on the possibility just yet.

“In fact, I’m taking a step back from it, in the sense that he’s in control,” she explained. “And even then, it’s not necessarily him completely. I know that it’s his body that’s going to dictate his decision.

“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.”

Discussing the relationship between Nadal and the French Open, she said: “He’s at home, he has a close relationship with the tournament..

“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.”