Rome Open tease 'something big happening' on Foro Italico as Rafael Nadal set for first practice ahead of Italian farewell

A 10-time champion in Rome, the success of Rafael Nadal over the years at the Rome Open has been special similar to his overall clay court brilliance. But he will play for the last time this time around when it starts on May 8. His first match will depend on Monday's draw but he is in Rome and ready for practice.

With the magnitude of a player like Nadal heading to the Foro Italico, Nadal's first practice unlike other players will be lauded and also likely attended by droves of fans looking for one final look at the great Italian.

He will practice between 5-7pm as he puts his body through its paces likely for the first time since losing to Jiri Lehecka at the Madrid Open and having his emotional farewell. Next on his tour is Rome.

“That's another very special tournament in my career,” he said on Rome last week. “I dreamed to play all these tournaments that I had success one more time.