WATCH – Rafael Nadal will get emotional throughout his tribute ceremony at Roland Garros

Rafael Nadal, one of many biggest tennis gamers of all time, was honoured with a particular tribute on the Roland Garros on Sunday. The ceremony happened on Court docket Philippe-Chatrier, the identical courtroom the place Nadal created historical past along with his 14 French Open titles, a report which can take generations to interrupt.

Nadal can’t maintain again tears

Nadal, who retired from skilled tennis in November final yr, was seen shedding tears as the gang gave him a standing ovation. Followers held up indicators and wore shirts that learn ‘Merci Rafa,’ thanking the Spanish legend for his unbelievable profession on the clay courts of Paris.

Emotional instances on Philippe-Chatrier 🥲#RolandGarros pic.twitter.com/DKyz9ESRc8

— Roland-Garros (@rolandgarros) Could 25, 2025

The ceremony additionally featured a video montage exhibiting highlights from Nadal’s illustrious profession. Nadal final performed on the French Open in 2024, when he misplaced within the first spherical to Alexander Zverev, a match that turned out to be his last look on the match.

“That is robust,” he started, in French. “Good night, everybody. I don’t know the place to begin after taking part in on this courtroom for the previous 20 years. Successful, dropping — however particularly being moved each time I’ve had the prospect to be right here.”

In the meantime, Roger Federer, Novak Djokovic, and Andy Murray have been additionally current through the tribute ceremony, making it much more particular for the Spanish legend. Present stars like Carlos Alcaraz and Iga Swiatek have been additionally current within the stands to pay their respects to Nadal.

“We confirmed the world that we are able to struggle as arduous as attainable, however being good colleagues and respecting one another very effectively. And for me, it means loads that you’re all right here,” Nadal informed the gamers with whom he was grouped because the Huge 4 of males’s tennis. “You gave me some arduous instances on courtroom, actually, however I actually loved pushing myself to the restrict each single day to compete with all of you.”

“Thanks, France. Thanks, Paris. You may have given me feelings and moments I might by no means have imagined. You may by no means know the way gratifying it’s to be appreciated within the place that issues most. … You made me really feel like a Frenchman,” Nadal stated. “I can now not play in entrance of you anymore, however my coronary heart and my reminiscences will at all times be linked to this magical place.”

(With company inputs)