Video: Crowd breaks into cheers as Nadal begins practice session on Court Philippe Chatrier

Roland Garros is only a few days away, and it appears 13-time champion Rafael Nadal is still as beloved in Paris as ever.

The Spaniard took to Court Philippe Chatrier for his first practice session, and hundreds of fans swarmed to see him play. As he entered the court, the crowd erupted with chants of ‘Rafa, Rafa’ and gave him a nice ovation. Although it was just a practice session for Nadal, the stadium was almost at full capacity.

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"It hurts me to see him suffer" - Alcaraz on Nadal playing through injury ahead of Roland Garros

Undoubtedly the greatest clay-court player to ever live, Nadal is also the most decorated champion in French Open history. However, the former World No.1 has been dealing with a chronic foot injury that has bothered him since last year's French Open.

The 35-year old will be entering Roland Garros without winning a title on clay this season, as he skipped Barcelona due to injury but fell in the quarterfinal and fourth round of Madrid and Rome respectively.

Alex Sharp

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