From the far reaches of Australia, China, and the United States, dedicated fans of Rafael Nadal gathered at a chilly and damp Roland Garros on Monday, eager to cheer on their "super hero" in the French Open.

Nadal, a record 14-time champion, faced Alexander Zverev in a challenging first-round match, marking a critical moment in his career that has recently been plagued by injuries. Despite nearing his 38th birthday, Nadal's supporters are hopeful that he will continue his illustrious career.

"You always have to keep the faith in Rafa, he will win," said Hazel, a 28-year-old fan from China. Hazel had flown in for the second consecutive year, having been disappointed when Nadal withdrew from the tournament in 2023. She displayed banners adorned with Spanish colors, Nadal's face, and the message "Welcome back my super hero."

Nadal boasts an impressive record at Roland Garros, with only three losses in 115 matches since his victorious debut as a 19-year-old in 2005. While he mentioned over the weekend that this might be his last French Open, he also emphasized that he was keeping the possibility of continuing his career "100% open."

"You see a lot of 'Thank you Rafa' shirts. He's a monument at this tournament," said Manolo, a 41-year-old fan from the United States. Manolo, who plans to watch Real Madrid in the Champions League final in London, has previously seen Nadal win at Wimbledon and the US Open. He acknowledged the difficulty of Monday's match against world number four Zverev but remained optimistic: "I hope he beats Zverev... Rafa is Rafa."

For Alsi, a 40-year-old fan from Australia, the opportunity to see Nadal play at Roland Garros was particularly significant. "It's possibly the last time he plays here, so we're very happy to watch him," he said.

As Nadal's army of fans hope for a triumphant run at the tournament, their primary wish remains for their idol to stay healthy and continue inspiring on the tennis court.