Rafael Nadal: First opponents at Roland Garros revealed with exhibition match confirmed

Nadal is preparing to defend his French Open crown, which he won for a 10th time last year.

The Spaniard heads to Paris having clinched the Italian Open title in Rome on Sunday.

He is the heavy favourite to make it 11 French Open tiumphs this summer.

And to commemorate his 10 previous victories on the Parisian clay, his racket supplier Babolat have organised an exhibition tournament.

As part of Nadal’s preparations for the year’s second Grand Slam, he will take to the court on Friday for a session with 10 French hopefuls.

Tennis journalist Michal Samilski wrote on Twitter: “To celebrate Rafael Nadal's 10 triumphs at @rolandgarros Babolat will organise an exhibition event feat. Rafa and 10 young French hopes, each playing with one of his 10 winning racquets - on Friday, 25th May at 11:30 am (Court No. 15).”

Nadal, speaking ahead of the French Open this week, insists his clay-court exploits this season will not impact on his performances in Paris.

“Monte Carlo, Barcelona, Madrid or Roma aren't a preparation for anything, they are historical tournaments and very important by themselves,” he added.

“Tennis is not only about four Majors, and we as players feel it like this. It's the truth of our sport.

“Obviously, next week we will be focused on what for me it's the most important tournament of the year, but winning Rome means much.

“At this stage of my career, in these moments, what makes me happy is to be happy all the weeks.

“Rome is a very important tournament that I had not been winning for a while and doing it again makes me very happy.”