Rafeal Nadal had a surprise at the Paris Masters court when a guard failed to recognize him at the entrance.

"Hello sir, have you got your pass?" the security guard asked tennis world champion Nadal who, caught-off-guard, responded, "I don't have it with me."

The guard was in for his own surprise when he asked the Spanish athlete's name.

Nadal was immediately allowed to enter after clarifying his renowned identity.

French Canal+ Sport TV personnel captured the awkward encounter.

A knee injury later forced Nadal to pull out of the tournament ahead of his Friday quarter-final match against Serbian Filip Krajinovic.

The 31-year-old Nadal earned his fame as one of history's greatest tennis players by winning two Olympic gold medals, 16 grand slams and four Davis Cups for Spain's national team.