Rafael Nadal turned 35 today and given his birthday comes inside the first week of June, he almost regularly celebrates it at his beloved French Open. This year at French Open 2021, Nadal will get to play in the night session, however, he will not have his fans chanting and celebrating his birthday.

Since the night session begins after 9 pm local time, Nadal won’t have any fans for his match. Because of the coronavirus pandemic, there is a night curfew in place and hence the Roland Garros organizers will have to ask the fans to vacate the premise early.

This decision to schedule Nadal’s match in the night session has irked several fans. They have gone on social media and vented their frustration on the decision. Moreover, Nadal faces his long-term friend Richard Gasquet in the second round. Gasquet is also the last Frenchmen in the draw and hence the French fans will miss him as well.

Fans are obviously emotional as last time in 2020 as well, Nadal couldn’t celebrate his birthday with them. Because of the pandemic French Open 2020 was postponed to October, where Nadal did win his 20th Grand Slam, however with very few fans in the stadium.

Rafael Nadal celebrated his 33rd birthday at French Open

In 2019, although Nadal had a match the day after his birthday. Hence he celebrated with the organizers and the workers associated with the Grand Slam.

“Tomorrow what can I do? Just celebrate here a little bit with the people from the tournament, all the workers there that, being honest, for me, they are so special, because I always had an amazing relationship with all of them. And then probably have a dinner, small dinner. But I play the next day, so not a big thing.”

Nadal is the fourth player in Roland Garros history to play during the night session. Serena Williams was the first, and his rival Novak Djokovic was the second and Daniil Medvedev was third. If Nadal manages to win today, he will next face Cameron Norrie in the third round.

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Read more: “Lived a Lot Together” – Rafael Nadal Reminisces 22-Year-Old Battle Against Richard Gasquet Ahead of French Open 2021 Clash