Long-term rival Novak Djokovic - for whom a victory in Paris would see him soar forward of Nadal as essentially the most embellished Grand Slam winner of all-time - was emotional when he heard that Nadal might bow out. 

Djokovic mentioned: "I have to say that he's my biggest rival. When he announced that he's going to have his last season of [his] career, I felt part of me is leaving with him too. I feel that he was one of the most impactful people that I have ever had in my career, the growth of my career and me as a player.”

However, the Serb added: "Honestly, I do not miss him being within the draw. I do not like seeing him within the draw of Roland Garros. I've had not a lot success towards him in our head-to-head report in Roland Garros.”