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

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.

—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.