Rafael Nadal’s father Sebastian was captured by cameras looking on in admiration and pride at his son’s iconic statue at Roland Garros. For the 14-time French Open champion, this year’s edition of the claycourt Major will likely mark his last Roland Garros outing.
Blair Henley, one of the most prominent names in tennis media, took to social media to share the emotional moment. Henley’s post also featured a caption that read: “Papa Nadal is just like us. Watching him come out to admire his son’s statue – that I assume he’s seen many times before – hit me in the feels. What a legacy.
The statue Sebastian can be seen looking at was unveiled in May 2021. It is located beside the entrance gate for the general public and the Jardin des Mousquetaires, the garden that honors French former tennis stalwarts Jacques Brugnon, Jean Borotra, Rene Lacoste, and Henri Cochet.Nadal himself was in attendance at the unveiling ceremony, which also featured Jordi Diez Fernandez, the statue’s sculptor, and Gilles Moretton, the President of the French Tennis Federation (FFT).
The Spaniard is set to kickstart his campaign for a record-extending 15th French Open title against World No. 4 Alexander Zverev on Monday (May 27).
