Clueless security guard doesn't know who Nadal is
Video has emerged of the hilarious moment a security guard didn't recognise Rafael Nadal at the Paris Masters.
As you can see above, Nadal was strolling through the facilities at Bercy, on his way for a practice session on one of the outside courts.
With cameraman in tow, Nadal greets some racquet stringers and a few other officials before coming across a security member guarding the entrance to the practice court.
A smiling Nadal expects to walk straight past the guard, before he is asked for his ID.
"I don't have it here," Nadal says as he tries to go around the security guard.
"Who are you?" the guard asks, before Nadal simply replies: "Rafael Nadal."
"Oh, Nadal," the guard says, finally recognising the tennis superstar and stepping aside.
By the looks of things, even being the World No.1 and 16-time grand slam champion doesn't gain you instant recognition.
Nadal pulled out of the Paris Masters before his quarter-final with a knee injury on Friday, which could also rule him out of the season-ending World Tour Finals.
He did not say if he would be fit for the Tour Finals in London later this month.
"For me it's not about London. For me it's about longer term," the 31-year-old told a press conference.
HIGH PRAISE: Tennis legend lauds 'incredible' Ash Barty
"Yesterday (Thursday), the pain was very strong but it was not the moment to stop.
"I had treatment last night to try and be able to play today... But unfortunately it was impossible for me to return to the court in the same condition as last night. It is a sad day for me."
Nadal has fought back this year from a series of injuries, winning the French and US Open titles.
He became the oldest man to secure the top spot in the end of season rankings when he beat Hyeon Chung in his opening match on Wednesday.
Young American Jack Sock capitalised on Nadal and Roger Federer's absences to win the Paris Masters and claim his maiden Masters 1000 title.
The World No.22 qualified for the ATP Finals with a 5-7 6-4 6-1 win over Serbian Filip Krajinovic in the final on Sunday.
with agencies