The French Open is entering a new era this year now that Rafael Nadal has retired. Players tend to agree that it is a shame fans no longer will get to see him play at a tournament he won a record 14 times.

PARIS — Rafael Nadal retired late last season after a career filled with notable accomplishments, including a total of 22 Grand Slam singles titles . Nothing stands out as much, though, as his success at the French Open — which is why there is a statue of him near the main entrance to the tournament site.

For quite some time, there's usually been a sense of certainty at the French Open. That was particularly so on the men's side, with Rafael Nadal ruling over the red clay of Roland-Garros the way no one dominated any tournament in tennis history.