"We're keeping our fingers crossed, especially for him. He knows he's at home here. We will follow and support whatever he wishes to do." Amélie Mauresmo on Rafa Nadal's return to Paris 🎙️ #RolandGarros
Rafael Nadal won't receive preferential treatment and this includes a seeding at the 2024 French Open which is at the dispensation of the tournament organisers if they want to give him one. That is the verdict of Amelie Mauresmo, tournament director who heads up the FFT as the 2024 tournament launched.
Nadal wasn't sure if he would play at Roland Garros when he spoke at the Madrid Open saying that if he arrives in Paris the way he feels, he 'won't play'. Many have decided to book tickets with sites crashing to see Nadal before he retires so there could yet be some disappointment. While he won't get a seeding, a tribute could happen albeit it is at the dispensation of the Spaniard as opposed to being something that is thrust on him.
As of time of writing, Nadal is facing 16-year-old Darwin Blanch in the first round of the Madrid Open in his final stand at the Caja Magica. He will then head to Rome and Roland Garros injury permitting. "Right now it's not a topic..." said Mauresmo. "Wimbledon did it for a very, very, very long time, and it certainly brought some advantages but we also saw all the disadvantages it could bring. For the moment, it's not on the table.
"We're keeping our fingers crossed for him above all, for us too obviously. We're keeping a close eye on what's happening for him on court. We're in touch with his team. Whether there's a tribute depends very much on him. We'll follow his wishes."
"We're keeping our fingers crossed, especially for him. He knows he's at home here. We will follow and support whatever he wishes to do." Amélie Mauresmo on Rafa Nadal's return to Paris 🎙️ #RolandGarros