The 14-time champion returned to his beloved court for his first practice of Roland-Garros 2024.

A booming chant of “Raaaafa, Raaaaaafa, Raaaafa” greeted one of the all-time greats at Roland-Garros on Monday.

The master of ceremonies introduced a man who knows a thing or two about winning in Paris, Rafael Nadal.

The Spaniard strode onto Court Philippe Chatrier, following his idiosyncratic shuffle before stepping onto the terre battue, and acknowledged a hero’s welcome with a smile and wave.

The applause was so prolonged for the 22-time major winner that Nadal rose off his courtside chair again to salute his supporters packing each stand.

Cap on backwards, racquet ready, the ultimate perfectionist didn’t feel the net height was quite right. A quick measure proved it was okay and Rafa was ready to rumble.

The 37-year-old, who reached the fourth round at the Madrid Masters as part of his preparation for Paris, started to go through the motions, while his adoring fans clicked their cameras and phones to catch a glimpse of the legend in person.

Nadal struck his trademark lassoed forehand in a series of side-to-side rallies with coaching duo Marc Lopez and Vivien Cabos doubling up to share the workload at the other end.

There was a celebratory atmosphere, every Nadal winner celebrated with a roar from the captivated crowd. The Parisian sky turned stormy, but luckily the roof above Court Philippe-Chatrier kept the relentless rain at bay.

Nadal changed his top and despite the noise from the storms, the wolf whistles from the fans pinged around the stands.