Last Updated on October 31, 2021
Rafael Nadal, since 2005, has won the Musketeers’ Cup 13 times, becoming the most successful player in the history of Roland Garros. For this reason, the organization of the tournament wanted to pay homage with a statue of the Majorcan, who has had the merit of writing so many pages of history in the stadium dedicated to Philippe Chatrier. In the inaugural ceremony, which took place today, the Spanish tennis player, the president of the French Federation Gilles Moretton and the sculptor Diez Fernandez were present.
The artwork is located right in front of the new public entrance, next to the Musketeers Garden, and depicts Rafa hitting a winning forehand. It is made entirely of steel and is 3 meters high, 4.85 meters wide and 2 meters deep. The sculptor is one of the most important in the Spanish art scene, as well as a master in representing the face.
We will see if this statue will bring further luck to the Spanish champion: if he were to win in Paris for the fourteenth time, he would put in his trophy case his 21st slam, surpassing the record of his eternal rival Roger Federer.
Honouring the names behind the most illustrious pages in the history books, both on and off the court. @rafaelnadal takes some time to meet the new statues at #RolandGarros.
…including a very familiar face 😉#RolandGarros pic.twitter.com/f87ulBcJCW
— Roland-Garros (@rolandgarros) May 28, 2021
It is not the only statue in the facility, but it is the first for a player not born in France. The first to “appear” at Roland Garros, in fact, were the four French musketeers: Jacques Brugnon, Jean Borotra, Henri Cochet and Rene Lacoste.
