Roland Garros will pay homage to the Spanish tennis legend - who won an incredible 14 titles at the clay court Grand Slam - on the opening day of the Paris tournament on May 25 and Nadal is grateful to be honoured by organisers of an event that has proved so significant in his career.

Nadal told Eurosport Spain: "I know it's going to be a special evening on the 25th. I'm sure it's going to be an exciting moment.

"No, I'm not much for tributes, but Roland Garros is obviously the most important place in my career, without a doubt.

"So, if something big is to be done, it has to be there, or at least give them priority to do it there. And that's how it was planned from the beginning, and nothing more. I'm delighted that it's the way it is."

Nadal ended a tennis career in which he won 22 majors last November and is enjoying the new phase of his life away from the sport.

The former world number one said: "Everything's fine. The truth is, I don't miss it because I'm not ready for it.

"You miss things when you want to be there, when you really can. As of today, I can't, so that's fine.

"I'm enjoying this new stage of my life, adapting to how I organise it, but overall, everything's fine and I'm enjoying it.

"I'm not a person who stays stuck on the couch, or who wakes up with no goals or anything. You need to have motivations and goals, which are important to avoid being stuck in a rut.

"My future has already been prepared for that, and I'm working on it, but I'm also enjoying time for myself."