'Incredible' - Rafael Nadal gets unforgettable reception as he enters for French Open final with Casper Ruud

Rafael Nadal received an ovation he will likely never forget as he walked out onto the court for the French Open final with Casper Ruud. The 13-time champion at Roland-Garros strode onto Court Philippe-Chatrier to a wild and warm reception ahead of the men's showpiece on the famous red dirt in Paris.

Ad/> Talk of a potential retirement has been swirling around the tournament given Nadal's prolonged injury struggles and even the legendary Spaniard's own words about the pain he has to endure to compete at the highest level. /> Roland-Garros'Amazing atmosphere' — Watch as Nadal walks out to incredible reception for final31 MINUTES AGO No player — besides perhaps the retiring Jo-Wilfried Tsonga, a true home favourite in Paris — can enjoy the kind of warmth of feeling that Nadal does at Roland-Garros given all he has achieved at the tournament, and that was reflected once again by the lengthy applause he received by the Parisian crowd.

It was a truly spine-tingling moment as Nadal walked on court and it set the stage perfectly for the final which is to ensue on Sunday to bring the 2022 edition of the clay-court Grand Slam to a close. Eurosport's Tim Henman described the atmosphere as «absolutely incredible», while Alex Corretja added that it was «amazing».

Ruud, the eighth seed at Roland-Garros, has reached his maiden Grand Slam final in Paris and also came through the ranks at the Rafa Nadal Academy with the pair good friends. The Norwegian, who moved to the academy in Mallorca in 2018, has spoken about how Nadal has «been my idol for all my life» after he secured his place in Sunday's showpiece after beating Marin Cilic in the semi-finals.