An unparalleled story in tennis and at Roland Garros comes to an end. Rafael Nadal bid farewell to the tournament where he achieved an unprecedented feat that will endure forever.
The Manacor native had a well-deserved farewell this Sunday at the start of the 2025 edition of the Coupe des Mousketeers, where a solemn Philippe-Chatrier joined in to recognize the career of their great champion.
Tennis figures such as Juan Carlos Ferrero, Carlos Alcaraz, Iga Swiatek, Jo-Wilfred Tsonga, and Toni Nadal were present in Paris, applauding from the stands and even crying at the Spanish player’s final farewell.
Nadal stepped onto the clay with his emotions on the surface. A video of his memorable moments in the City of Light was shown, recalling all his successes in front of the French crowd.
He then gave a speech thanking everyone who had supported him on his tennis journey. He also thanked his family and team, where tears appeared, revealing his most sensitive side.
As an unexpected event, Roger Federer, Novak Djokovic, and Andy Murray appeared on the court to accompany Nadal in his final farewell, marking the transition from rivals to friends and marking an iconic moment for the sport.
“It’s incredible how time changes your perspective on everything. I’ve talked about it with Roger, but the nerves or pressure when we faced each other are different than when you retire. Now you remember everything with happiness, with everything we achieved together. We built a great rivalry in a great way, being great colleagues with a lot of respect,” said the Spaniard.
With an unmatched record of 112-4, Rafael Nadal Parera leaves an indelible mark on clay, a mark that will literally become part of Paris’s Centre Court with a plaque that will endure, recognizing his 14 titles and the significance of the most French Spaniard who ever lived.
Along with his son, Rafa Jr., the Philippe-Chatrier court applauded and cheered for the final time for the musketeer who marked a turning point at Roland Garros and left a mark that no one will ever surpass.