WATCH: Nadal, Ostapenko help make French Open draws

Published May 25, 2018

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The 2018 French Open kicked off in style on Thursday evening as defending champions Rafael Nadal and Jelena Ostapenko were guest stars at the draw ceremony.

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Along with French figure skating Olympians, Nadal and Ostapenko officially launched the tournament and helped announce some of the new features of the clay-court Slam. Upgrades for this year include the new Village, courts 7, 9 and 18, and restored buildings in the Auteuil Greenhouse Gardens.

Thank you to our defending champions, @RafaelNadal and @JelenaOstapenk8, for joining us at the #RG18 Draw Ceremony! pic.twitter.com/ibIJYQLlpJ
— Roland-Garros (@rolandgarros) May 24, 2018

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Nadal, a clear favorite going into the fortnight, will be going for his 11th crown while 20-year-old Ostapenko is defending a title for the first time in her young career.

Nadal explained how much Roland Garros and Paris means to him:

"This place is the most important place in my career."@RafaelNadal reflects on #LaDecima as the mens draw unfolds.
Rewatch the live ceremony→ https://t.co/2WRSBZ85mH pic.twitter.com/3t0ZUUDLTH
— Tennis Channel (@TennisChannel) May 24, 2018

The world No. 1 will start his campaign against Alexandr Dolgopolov, while Ostapenko faces Kateryna Kozlova.

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WATCH: Nadal, Ostapenko help make French Open draws

—Tennis Channel Plus features up to 10 courts of live action from Roland Garros beginning Sunday, May 27 at 5:00am ET.

—Catch up and watch all your favorite stars anytime on-demand with Tennis Channel Plus.

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