Mauresmo applauds Nadal's French Open record as a unique sports feat

Former world number one Amelie Mauresmo believes that Spain’s legendary tennis star Rafael Nadal’s incredible record while playing at the French Open is one of the ‘best feats’ in sports.

The 37-year-old is often regarded as one of the greatest players in the history of men’s tennis, having won as many as 22 Grand Slam titles.

Fourteen of those victories came while playing at Roland Garros, which is why he is often regarded as the ‘King of Clay’. Mauresmo was recently quoted in a report in which she heaped praise on Nadal and believes that his achievement in the French Open remains one of the best feats in sports history.

“It’s too hard to say where it fits in (Nadal’s record),” she said. “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.

“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.

“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.

Rafael Nadal has won the French Open 14 times, most by any player in the competition's history.

“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.”

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