Roland Garros opened with tears, chants and a sea of brick-red T-shirts reading 'Merci Rafa' as the French Open paid an emotional tribute on Sunday to Rafael Nadal, the man who conquered its courts like no other.

Is Rafael Nadal the greatest tennis champion of all time? Impossible to say. But a tear-jerking farewell ceremony, staged at Roland Garros on Sunday night, proved beyond doubt that he is the most humble.

Rafael Nadal was given a rousing reception as the 'King of Clay' stepped onto Court Philippe Chatrier for the final time on Sunday in a ceremony to celebrate his career at the French Open.