Paris, May 19 (Agency) The line-up could not be more spectacular when 13-time champion Rafael Nadal of Spain returned to Roland Garros, his undisputed kingdom for his opening practice in preparation for the French Open, starting from May 22. The 35-year-old scuttled onto court well before his name was announced to over 4,000 vehemently-excited fans. “Rafa, Rafa, Rafa” was the booming chant as the Spaniard’s legion of fans warmly welcomed him onto court. The current world No 5 replied with some fancy football flicks before getting down to business. Striking the ground strokes with countryman Jaume Munar across the net, Nadal additionally wrapped the force and intensity of his shots. The men’s record 21-time major winner was dictating play, every winner greeted with a raucous “vamos” or ripple of applause. During a break-in play, Nadal’s exemplary manners were on show when the Mallorcan wouldn’t perform his customary baseline foot sweep until the court team had finished at the change of ends.
A trademark lassoed forehand return, on the stretch out wide, was lasered down the line, prompting a theatrical “ooooh” from the captivated crowds. Practice set complete and a standing ovation greeted the Spanish duo, before a team picture officially marked the occasion. Considering how his Rome campaign ended with a painful foot injury flare-up, the future seems to be a positive step forward for the Spaniard. These practice sessions really have been a massive treat for the lucky fans on the grounds. Meanwhile, current world No.1 Iga Swiatek of Polish and 2018 winner Romania’s Simona Halep matched the weather with their own sizzling shot-making. Halep began her hit being moved side to side by new coach Patrick Mouratoglou, aiming to dip the ball inside marked deep sections. The world No 19 then attempted to knock down pyramids of four balls as a service target. One tumbled, cue a rendition of ‘Si-mo-na’ ringing out around the stands.
Swiatek, arriving in Paris in red-hot form off the back of five successive titles, joined in and the major champions conjured up some major tennis. The hitting was crisp and punchy from both as 1978 champion Virginia Ruzici and new Roland-Garros tournament director Amelie Mauresmo made sure they observed these exemplary athletes from up close. With the world-class striking ending, Swiatek and Halep made sure their fans went home happy, posing for a multitude of selfies and signing all sorts of memorabilia. Drawing an early crowd to Court Philippe-Chatrier was the in-form Tunisia’s Ons Jabeur. The Tunisian trailblazer, who has roared into major contention in Paris with three finals in four clay events, was crushing ground strokes. A cheeky drop shot to curtail a bruising rally gave the spectators a glimpse of the artistry the world No.6 displayed to lift the Madrid WTA 1000 trophy earlier this month. Everyone in the stadium was grinning, when a cutting backhand slice rally was halted by the in-form 27-year-old connecting with a front-facing pass.