Roland Garros pays tribute to Rafael Nadal with three-meter tall statue

The tournament organizers at Roland Garros honored 13-time champion Rafael Nadal with a statue on Thursday, unveiling the elaborate figure after the Spaniard arrived in Paris.

Nadal had his first practice session at Court Phillipe-Chatrier with Karen Khachanov, after which he was then presented with the honor. Standing at three meters tall, 4.89 meters wide and two meters deep, the figure captures the defending champion while he's hitting his fearsome forehand.

Presenting Nadal with the award was French Tennis Federation president Gilles Moretton, along with the sculptor Jordi Diez Fernandez, one of Spain's top artists. The statue is located at the Stade Roland Garros Complex, and is made entirely of stainless steel.

Nadal is not the only person to have received a statue at the complex, as his figure was placed alongside aviator Roland Garros and the famous 'Four Musketeers' Jean Borotra, Jacques Brugnon, Henri Cochet and Rene Lacoste.

The French Open kicks off on May 30, 2021.