"Putting Nike in jail for making him wear that" "Cannot believe how ugly that is" - Fans disappointed by Rafael Nadal's tribute shirt at French Open

Rafael Nadal was recently spotted wearing the limited edition T-shirt released by Nike for his 2024 French Open campaign. However, the shirt has failed to impress tennis fans, with many feeling that the Spaniard deserved a better tribute.

Ahead of what could be Nadal's final French Open campaign, Nike has released a limited edition T-shirt commemorating the Spaniard's maiden Roland Garros triumph in 2005, which was also his first Major title.

The white T-shirt features a picture of the 22-time Grand Slam champion in his signature celebratory pose from his 2005 triumph, with his iconic 'Raging Bull' logo at the back.

Nineteen years later, as the Spaniard gears up for his pursuit of a 15th Roland Garros title, he wore the special edition shirt while engaging with fans ahead of his first-round match against Alexander Zverev.

Tennis fans were unimpressed with the T-shirt, calling out Nike for the "ugly" tribute to Rafael Nadal and voicing a preference for the more creative shirts the brand has produced for the Spaniard over the years.

"Putting Nike in jail for making him wear that shirt," one fan commented.

"The face i made when i saw him in that ugly nike “tribute” hes wearing like that’s the WORST shirt nike has ever done by far it makes the fist shirt look like haute couture in comparison," a fan posted.

"I know! I cannot believe how truly ugly that shirt is. I could not even force myself to buy it even if this is the last Rafa tribute short they ever make. It is so basic. I have the tribute shirt after his USO win from a few years ago.. simple and honors his slam wins," another fan chimed in.

"@Nike what type of sh*t kits are you making for Nadal man? It’s his final year possibly, please do a better job like 2018-2021 kits," said yet another.

Other fans sarcastically mocked the design, pointing out the bizarreness of Nadal wearing a shirt with his own face on it.

"This is like Jesus wearing a necklace with a cross on it," the fan commented.

"You know you’re full of it when you start wearing tops with your image," said another.

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Rafael Nadal: "Is this my last Roland Garros? Probably, but I don't want to say 100%"

Rafael Nadal

Amid speculation about the 2024 French Open being his final appearance at the event, Rafael Nadal recently left the door open for his return to the claycourt Major in 2025.

In his pre-tournament press conference, the Spaniard described Roland Garros as a "magical" place for him and disclosed that a comeback next year would depend on how his 2024 campaign progresses.

"Is this my last Roland Garros? Probably yes, but I don't want to say 100%. I don’t want to close the door. I'm sorry. I can't predict the future. This place is magical for me. I may say yes in a couple of months, but I feel better than a month and a half ago," he said.

"I am enjoying and feel competitive in training. I can play against anyone and I don't feel worse than others. That gives me hope. I progressed since Rome, especially in terms of movement. I can run without limitations now," the Spaniard added.

Nadal also disclosed that he isn't anxious heading into his challenging first-round clash against fourth seed Alexander Zverev, expressing confidence in his ability to be competitive.

"I'm not anxious, I'm focused on trying to play. Maybe I will repeat the disaster of Rome but in my mind I’m going to give myself a chance to be competitive here. The answer will be on Monday," he said.