Rafael Nadal sheds light on Roland Garros ban and opens up about 'very difficult' decision

Rafael Nadal is one of the greatest tennis players of all time and his love affair with Roland Garros is well-documented, but his parents initially banned him from playing there

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Rafael Nadal was once banned from competing at Roland Garros by his own parents when he was a teenager. The Spaniard would go on to win an astonishing 14 French Open titles.

Nadal, who retired nearly a year ago in November 2024 at the ripe age of 38, will be remembered as one of the greatest players to grace the sport, with a particular fondness for the clay courts of Paris.

His first victory at the French Open came in 2005 and he went on to repeat this triumph an incredible 13 more times, holding the longest winning streak in Roland Garros history with 39 wins.

But as a young hopeful, Nadal's dreams of entering the competition's youth tournament were dashed by his parents thanks to other academic commitments.

Sharing a nostalgic tale during his acceptance of an honorary doctorate from the University of Salamanca earlier this month, Nadal revealed how his parents put a stop to his early ambitions.

"In 2002, as a teenager, I was very excited about one goal: to play in the Roland Garros junior tournament for the first time," Nadal began. "At that time, I already had some ATP points and had played in international tournaments, so I saw this as a great opportunity to compete on one of the most iconic stages in my sport.

"Imagine the excitement of being able to play in Paris at the age of 15. However, my parents told me I wouldn't be able to participate because it coincided with exam season.

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"At the time, I was 15 years old, and it was very difficult for me to understand. I had the opportunity to play in a major Junior Slam, yet they asked me to disregard it because of something I didn't value at the time in the same way.

"Despite my disappointment, my parents remained firm, and I ultimately didn't play in that tournament. Over time, I've come to understand that that decision was a great lesson.

"Today I thank them for helping me finish my compulsory education and teaching me that no sporting goal can be above values and education."

Following his retirement after the Davis Cup, Nadal has steered clear of picking up a racquet and unlike fellow legend Andy Murray who has moved into coaching, he's determined to savour life without being consumed by tennis, reports the Express.

When questioned about why he hasn't played since hanging up his racquet, Nadal revealed to The Athletic earlier this year: "First of all, because after my retirement, I was very bad in terms of pain in my foot. I had very big difficulties walking for a month.

"I have too many things in my life that for me are more important today," he continued. "I like tennis, I like other things, too, and I want to enjoy this moment of my life."