"Tears in Paris: Nadal Honored in Emotional Farewell at Roland Garros"

"Tears in Paris: Nadal Honored in Emotional Farewell at Roland Garros"

 

Rafael Nadal was overcome with emotion as Roland Garros honored its greatest champion in a heartfelt ceremony on the opening day of the 2025 French Open — the first since he announced his retirement.

Stepping onto Court Philippe-Chatrier in a sharp dark suit and shirt, Nadal was met with a thunderous ovation from the packed 15,000-seat stadium. It was a moment years in the making: a tribute to a man whose legacy in Paris is unmatched. His 14 French Open titles remain the most by any player at a single Grand Slam — more than the next two men combined in the tournament’s history.

As a video montage of his iconic moments lit up the stadium, Nadal tried to stay composed, but the memories clearly hit hard. When he finally took the microphone, speaking in French, the emotion was written all over his face.

"This is hard," he said, pausing to collect himself. "Good evening, everyone. I don’t even know where to begin. I’ve spent 20 years playing on this court — winning, losing, but above all, feeling something special every single time I stepped out here."

Nadal officially retired on November 19, 2024. But in Paris, on this night, it was clear: his legacy lives on.