Rafael Nadal dons shoes reminiscent of maiden Grand Slam win at French Open 2005 as he gears up for highly anticipated 2024 campaign

Rafael Nadal recently landed in Paris ahead of his highly anticipated 2024 French Open campaign. To add a splash of nostalgia to his appearance, the Spaniard was spotted wearing Nike shoes reminiscent of his maiden Grand Slam title run in 2005.

Although Nadal voiced uncertainty over his French Open participation following an early exit at the Italian Open, he put all rumors to rest by reaching the Stade Roland Garros a week ahead of the tournament, on Monday, May 20. Just hours later, he took the center court (Court Philippe-Chatrier) for his first practice session.

Hundreds of people flocked to the stadium to get a glimpse of the tournament’s most successful champion. What stood out, though, was Rafael Nadal’s choice of kicks. The 14-time French Open winner sported Nike shoes in black-and-white colorway with a neon yellow-outlined swoosh.

Interestingly, the Spaniard donned Nike Air Max Breathe Free II in the same colorway when won his first of 22 Majors during his debut in Paris 19 years ago.

The Spaniard pictured at the 2005 French Open (Source: Getty)

As per reports, Nike will release a line of shoes similar to those worn by Nadal in 2005, to honor him ahead of what could be his final run at the French Open.

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If Rafael Nadal wins French Open 2024, he will want to continue, believes Spaniard’s uncle Toni

The King of Clay's previous French Open title came in 2022 (Source: Getty)

Over the years, Rafael Nadal has treated the French crowd to his magical display on the red dirt in Paris. He holds a formidable 112-3 record, having won the title a record 14 times in the last 19 years. The 37-year-old, who’s struggled with injuries lately, missed the 2023 edition – a first since his debut.

Since last year, he also hinted that he's likely to call time on his illustrious career after the 2024 season. The Spaniard’s upcoming French Open run thus holds immense significance.

About his anticipated campaign, his uncle and former coach Toni recently said:

"He is not going to drag himself down, he remains confident because of his mentality and way of being. He will not go to Roland Garros to lose in the second round," uncle Toni told Diarios de Bicicleta as per ESPN.

Although Rafael Nadal hasn’t produced his best tennis during the ongoing claycourt season (second round exits in Barcelona and Rome and a fourth-round defeat in Madrid), he would look to turn the corner in Paris.

Uncle Toni said that if his nephew stages a miracle, he might even postpone his potential retirement.

"His dream ending would be to win Roland Garros and retire, but I think if he does he will want to continue. He won't retire."