Ahead of his opening Roland Garros match against Robby Ginepri, Rafael Nadal has labelled the tournament the "most important place" in his career.
Nadal, who is in search of his ninth French Open title, is the most successful player in Roland Garros history.
Despite his pedigree in Paris, the Spaniard's form has been sub-par in recent months but Nadal has taken encouragement from a grueling campaign in Rome which saw him eventually lose to Novak Djokovic in the final.
"During the clay court season I get a little bit better week by week," said Nadal. "Last week in Rome, it was tough physically and I think I played a little bit better during the whole tournament. I'm happy the way that I finished in Madrid and Rome.
"I'm not that happy about what I did in Monte‑Carlo and Barcelona, but that's the sport."
Nadal, who has won each of the last five Roland Garros events, holds a special spot in his heart for the tournament.
"We are here in Roland Garros, and just happy to be back in a place that give me so much. It's a very special place for me, and just enjoying the first few days here.
"It is always a big emotion to have the chance to play here in Roland Garros. For me, as I said before, this place is the most important place in my career."
Meanwhile, reigning women's champion and world No1 Serena Williams is heading into the competition full of confidence having won in Rome before heading out to France.
"It was important for me [to win in Rome], because I didn't get to play as much clay as I did last year," said Williams. "I had to stop in Madrid early, so I wasn't even sure if I was going to play Rome.
"Then to come out the win gave me a lot of confidence. I got a lot of matches in there and I needed those matches. I felt good after them."
