French Open plans special tribute to Rafael Nadal at Roland Garros | Tennis News

A year after he bid adieu to Roland Garros for the last time as a player, 14-time French Open champion Rafael Nadal will receive a special tribute at the venue where he was virtually unbeatable for the most part of his career.
The Spanish legend called time on his illustrious career after the Davis Cup Finals late last year, having amassed 22 Grand Slam titles, and will be honoured on Court Philippe Chatrier at the end of the day session on the tournament’s opening day – May 25.
“Rafa made hory at Roland Garros and his 14 titles will perhaps remain unequalled,” tournament director Amelie Mauresmo said. “The idea is to have a vision for the future and also to celebrate those who thrilled us in the past.”
Story continues below this ad
The French Open will also honour the retiring Richard Gasquet and 2000 champion Mary Pierce.
“To mark Rafa’s first season post-retirement, a ceremony will take place following the conclusion of the day session’s three fixtures,” the organisers said in a news release. “An immersive and entertaining exhibition dedicated to the legendary Spaniard will also run for the duration of the tournament at the Roland-Garros Tenniseum.”
Nadal won the French Open nine times in 10 years from 2005 to 2014, and triumphed five more titles in six years from 2017 through 2022. His Grand Slam tally is second only to Novak Djokovic’s 24.
The organisers had not organised a proper farewell for Nadal after he lost to Alexander Zverev in the first round as the Spaniard had not said unequivocally that it was his final participation in the tournament.Story continues below this ad
“We wanted to do the tribute last year, to be transparent, but he refused at the time,” Mauresmo said. “He wasn’t sure that it was his last Roland Garros. Now that he is retired, he is happy to receive it,” Mauresmo, a two-time Grand Slam champion, said.
The 38-year-old Nadal already has a statue at the venue of the clay-court Grand Slam. He will also feature in an exhibition in the tournament museum and lend his voice to the official French Open trailer.
© IE Online Media Services Pvt Ltd
Expand