In the long history of tennis, Rafael Nadal's brilliant achievements at the French Open are legendary. To commemorate and pay tribute to the Spanish tennis great's prowess at the French Open, the Rafael Nadal Museum in Manacor has unveiled a new French Open-themed section.
The new section features eye-catching exhibits, the most notable of which is Nadal's record 14 Musketeers' trophies, which bear witness to his dominance on clay in Paris. Also on display are the rackets he used in the French Open, as well as the Nike bandana he wore in the year he won the title, which carry countless precious memories.
Visitors will not only be able to see these objects up close, but will also be able to relive the highlight moments of Nadal lifting the trophy through a stunning video montage; The infographic shows his amazing stats on the clay courts in Paris. One of the highlights of the exhibition is a replica of Nadal's sculpture created for the French Open, which was given to Nadal by the French Tennis Federation and tournament director Amelie Mauresmo, who will also receive a special tribute in Paris on 25 May. In addition, the 150-kilogram life-size sculpture of Nadal kneeling on his knees, created by Nike in 2014, also made its debut in Manacor and became a highlight of the exhibition area. Nadal's French Open performances are looped on four screens, and the display of 112 tennis balls is a unique symbol of his 112 French Open victories.
This year, the French Open in Paris will also pay tribute to Nadal through an exhibition that looks back on his 14 titles. Nadal's ties to France don't stop there: he participated in the opening ceremony of the 2024 Olympic Games as a torchbearer last summer, and now the torch, medals and other Olympic memorabilia are on display in a new section of the museum. In addition, Nadal's last professional racket bag, as well as the jersey he wore when he partnered with Carlos Alcaraz in the Olympic doubles, are also on display at the museum.
The Nadal Museum is not only a temple of Nadal's achievements, but also a vibrant and interactive place. Offering a wide range of digital and interactive sports activities for individuals or families, including tennis, football, F1, basketball, cycling and more, it has become one of Mallorca's main tourist attractions. Visitors can not only get a glimpse of the tennis legend, but also see items donated by Michael Jordan, Fernando Alonso, Valentino Rossi and many other sports greats.
It is worth mentioning that part of the proceeds from the visit to the Nadal Museum will be used to support the Nadal Foundation's charity programs, allowing visitors to experience the charm of sports and contribute to public welfare at the same time. This new French Open-themed exhibition is not only a tribute to Nadal's illustrious career, but also a great place for all tennis enthusiasts and visitors to delve into the culture and legends of tennis.