“Too Old for That!”: Rafael Nadal Not Willing to Wear Iconic French Open Outfit Again

The tale of Roland-Garros and Spaniard Rafael Nadal is a legend that will be passed along for generations to come. However, at present, it is a phenomenon that continues to get better each passing year.

At the French Open 2021, the Mallorcan celebrated his 35th birthday with an easy win over friend-rival Richard Gasquet. Consequently, he reached the third round for a 17th consecutive year in Paris.

Unquestionably, he has come a long way to build this memoir with Roland-Garros.  Usually, it is the fans that ask him many questions about the tournament, but this time, a few in-staff personnel got the chance.

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Rafael Nadal opens up on his 2005 French Open kit

At 19 years of age, Rafael Nadal lifted his first of 13 French Open trophies in 2005. He had then worn a green sleeveless top and a white below-the-knee bermuda. No doubt, it remains one of the most iconic outfits in tennis history.

Accordingly, Laurent from Stewardship and Security team shared his memory of watching him play in that. Furthermore, he insisted whether the Spaniard would wear it in a tournament next year.

Laughing it out, Nadal denied the idea based on his age. He explained that although he felt comfortable then, there is no chance he could wear it now.

“I don’t think so. I am too old for that! When I see myself on TV, for me, it looks very strange,” Rafa said. “But it’s true that during that time, it was comfortable. But today, I don’t see a possibility that I am going to play with that outfit.”

This year, Nadal is wearing a neon-colored outfit which also makes him look younger. On top of that, his game on the Parisian clay is like fine wine. Here are all the outfits he has played with at Roland-Garros.

Watch this story: Champions!: Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal, Novak Djokovic, Serena Williams, And Others’ Trophy Lift at French Open

Who will Nadal play next at the French Open 2021?

Third seed Nadal will take on unseeded British professional Cameron Norrie in the third round. He then has a potential matchup against 19-year-old Italian professional Jannik Sinner in the fourth round.

More significantly, Roger Federer and Novak Djokovic are also in line as his potential semifinal opponents. However, Nadal would focus only on the match on hand and improve his rhythm as he progresses. Hence, he is inarguably the favorite to win even this year.

Do you think Nadal will become the first player to win 21 Grand Slam titles at French Open 2021?

Also Read: “Don’t Complain at All”: Rafael Nadal Outplays the Last French Player Standing in the French Open 2021 Draw Richard Gasquet in R2