Rafael Nadal returned to Court Philippe-Chatrier for an emotional farewell ceremony that touched fans and tennis legends alike. The Spanish tennis star was overcome with emotion as the crowd gave him a thunderous standing ovation to honor his remarkable career. Although Nadal officially retired last November after Spain’s loss in the Davis Cup, Roland Garros provided the perfect setting for his final goodbye. He described the moment as very emotional and said he could not have asked for more.
Nadal’s connection to Roland Garros is unmatched in tennis history. Over his career, he won 14 French Open titles and compiled an incredible 112-4 win-loss record at the tournament. Last year, Nadal lost in the first round to Alexander Zverev and quietly left the tournament without a formal farewell. He later announced his retirement during the Davis Cup Finals in Malaga after Spain’s defeat to the Netherlands. Despite retiring earlier, fans and officials considered Roland Garros the rightful place for his tribute.
The farewell ceremony began after Lorenzo Musetti’s victory over Yannick Hanfmann. Organizers distributed orange “Merci Rafa” shirts to the crowd, creating a unified tribute in the stands. A smaller group of fans wore white shirts arranged to spell out “14 RG” and “Rafa,” surrounded by hearts and trophies as a symbol of their appreciation for Nadal’s legacy. Nadal appeared on the court wearing a black suit and spoke in French, English, and Spanish, addressing the fans and his family members who were present. His parents, uncle Toni, wife Mery, and their two-year-old son Rafael watched from the audience. Young tennis stars Carlos Alcaraz and Iga Swiatek also attended to pay their respects.
Several tennis greats joined Nadal on the court in a show of mutual respect. Roger Federer, Novak Djokovic, and Andy Murray stood alongside him, highlighting the sportsmanship that defined their rivalries. Nadal expressed that their presence was important and showed that strong competition does not require hostility. During the event, Nadal shared a lighthearted moment about a message he received from Andy Murray, which brought some laughter to the ceremony.
The event concluded with Gilles Moretton and Amélie Mauresmo unveiling a plaque that features Nadal’s signature and footprint. This plaque will remain permanently at Philippe-Chatrier, ensuring that Nadal’s legacy is remembered for generations to come. Nadal admitted that he usually avoids the spotlight but embraced the farewell despite feeling overwhelmed by the moment. He expressed that while he did not like being the center of attention, he appreciated the ceremony deeply.
Nadal left the court celebrated and honored, his legacy forever embedded in the history of Roland Garros and the sport of tennis.
