The French Tennis Federation have today announced that a statue of Rafael Nadal will be built at Roland Garros to commemorate his remarkable record at the French Open. 

The news was initially leaked in May, however, it has now been made official.

Bernard Giudicelli, the French Tennis Federation chief, confirmed the news today in a Facebook Live video on his Facebook page.

In the video, he states: "We have, with Rafael Nadal, chosen a statute and the image that will represent it.

"We will now launch a contest to find the artist who will create the statue of Rafa, which will be opposite the entrance of the future Philippe Chatrier."

The news coincides with Nadal reaching the top of the ATP World Rankings at the expense of Brit Andy Murray, who now drops to number two in the rankings, following a tough 2017 for him.

The Spaniard has an outstanding 98% record at Roland Garros, losing only twice in his career, to Robin Soderling in 2009 and Novak Djokovic in 2015.

Nadal has won an incredible 10 titles at the clay event, the highest of any player of all time and in the Open era.

Nadal secured his 10th French Open title back in June with a dominant 6-2, 6-3, 6-1 victory over the Swiss number two Stanislas Wawrinka.

Nadal has built a reputation for being one of the most dominant, if not the, most dominant clay court player of all time.

This statue will cement Rafael Nadal's legacy as one of the best players of time, and without a doubt, the best clay court player of all time.

The Spaniard's attentions, however, are not currently on the statue and are instead of the looming US Open.

With several big names withdrawing due to injuries, Nadal will look to overcome Murray and Roger Federer on his way to a second Grand Slam this year.