Rafael Nadal immortalized; Roland-Garros honours the ‘King of Clay’ in an epic ceremony
It was an emotional day for all of the Tennis World as Roland-Garros paid tribute to the great Rafael Nadal, celebrating his historic French Open career. It was a fitting tribute to Nadal, widely known as the ‘King of Clay’ for his glorious achievements on clay courts in his legendary career.
The 22-time Grand Slam champion retired from Tennis in November 2024. And on Sunday, he was honoured by Roland-Garros at the Court Philippe-Chatrier, a place where he built his legacy by winning an astronomical 14 French Open cups.
Rafa Nadal’s footprint will stay on Court Philippe-Chatrier until the end of time.
It doesn’t get more legendary than that.
Fully deserved for the biggest footprint this tournament has ever seen.
???????? pic.twitter.com/FIrIVBsVpG — The Tennis Letter (@TheTennisLetter) May 25, 2025
In a heartwarming ceremony, an on court plaque with Nadal’s footprints on it was installed to honour the legend. The whole Roland-Garros crowd rose to the occasion to pay one final tribute to their hero by wearing an orange t-shirt with Merci Rafa(Thank you, Rafa).
Rafa Nadal gets emotional while watching his Roland Garros tribute.
The crowd erupts for him and starts singing to him.
Hard to not get chills watching this.
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pic.twitter.com/oG7vc1jkaq — The Tennis Letter (@TheTennisLetter) May 25, 2025
An emotional Rafael Nadal acknowledged the crowd and this iconic court after watching a heart touching tribute video played on screen. “I don’t know how to start... I’ve been playing on this court for 20 years. I suffered, I won, I lost. I have lived many emotions here on this court”, exclaimed the Spanish legend in what could be his final appearance at the Roland-Garros.
The Immortals reunited-
It was very fitting that three men whom Nadal battled for his whole career, his greatest rivals Roger Federer, Novak Djokovic, and Andy Murray were present on this special occasion.
A ???? moment.#RolandGarros pic.twitter.com/eK4vq42coO — Roland-Garros (@rolandgarros) May 25, 2025
Often regarded as the ‘Big 4’, the legends shared the court for the 22-time Grand Slam champions’ tribute ceremony. This moment of nostalgia will remain special in Tennis’ storied history.
Even though this is the end of Nadal’s magic at the French Open, his legacy and never seen before dominance will live on forever.
