Rafael Nadal was honored in a farewell ceremony at the French Open on Sunday, and the “King of Clay” was overwhelmed with emotion at the support he was shown.
Nadal, who won a record 14 times at Roland-Garros, received a standing ovation as he walked onto Court Philippe-Chatrier from the locker room. He fought back tears as a highlight reel was played for him on the video board in front of roughly 15,000 fans.
Part of the video included a message from fellow tennis legends Roger Federer, Novak Djokovic and Andy Murray. The trio then walked onto the court to take part in the tribute to their former rival.
Djokovic is playing in the French Open, but Federer and Murray made unexpected appearances.
Novak Djokovic, Roger Federer and Andy Murray surprised Rafael Nadal at his Roland-Garros farewell ceremony 🥹👏
— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) May 25, 2025
4 TENNIS LEGENDS. 🎾💯 pic.twitter.com/yjSCzGFuJv
A plaque displaying Nadal’s footprint was also unveiled on the court, where it will remain. Nadal said he initially thought it was only for the 2025 tournament.
“When I saw it, I thought it would only be for this year. When they told me it would be forever, I can’t describe my emotions,” Nadal said. “It’s a great honor. I was thrilled to know it would be present on the most important court of my career.”
Rafa Nadal on his footprint staying on court Philippe-Chatrier forever:
— The Tennis Letter (@TheTennisLetter) May 25, 2025
"When I saw it, I thought it would only be for this year. When they told me it would be forever, I can’t describe my emotions. It's a great honor. I was thrilled to know it would be present on the most… pic.twitter.com/o8Ny4e9qW3
Nadal, winner of 22 grand slams overall, delivered a speech in English, French and his native Spanish. He spoke about how much it meant to him to have Federer, Murray and Djokovic in attendance.
“After all these years fighting for everything it’s unbelievable how the time changes perspective of everything. You don’t know yet, Novak. Probably you know already, Andy. With Roger, we have talked about it a couple times. All of the nerves, pressure, strange feelings you feel when we see each other when we are rivals. It’s completely different when you finish your career. At the end, now, it’s all about being happy about everything that we achieved. At the end, all of us achieved our dreams. We became tennis players. Played in the most important stages of our careers. I think we built amazing rivalries but at the same time in a good way. We showed the world that we can fight as hard as possible, but being good colleagues and respect each other very well.”
Rafa Nadal said beautiful words to Roger Federer, Novak Djokovic, and Andy Murray during his Roland Garros tribute:
— The Tennis Letter (@TheTennisLetter) May 25, 2025
“After all these years fighting for everything it’s unbelievable how the time changes perspective of everything. You don’t know yet Novak. Probably you know… pic.twitter.com/LdTLarRPFT
Nadal’s career record at the French Open was 112-4. He reached the finals 14 times and never lost when going that deep into the tournament.
Nadal, who will turn 39 next month, played his final competitive match last November before retiring.
