The clay-court tournament started more than four months later than usual due to the global Covid-19 pandemic.

The King of Clay, Rafael Nadal, will begin his bid for a record 13th French Open title when he faces Egor Gerasimov of Belarus this evening.

The world number two conceded that this year it will not be a walk in the park.

“Conditions here probably are the most difficult for me ever at Roland Garros for so many different reasons.

“The balls are completely different, super slow and heavy. It's very cold. Slow conditions. Of course, the preparation has been less than usual.

“I'm just staying positive knowing that the conditions are not perfect for me.

“Maybe not perfect for others, either, and accepting that I am going to need my best version to have a chance.”

Meanwhile, in the ladies singles, Serena Williams will begin yet another campaign for a record-equalling 24th Grand Slam title, when she faces her American compatriot, Kristie Ahn.

The year’s third and final Grand Slam is underway with 2020 French Open at Roland Garros in Paris having started yesterday.

@MorganPiek OFM Sport