Rafael Nadal received a rousing welcome as the ‘King of Clay’ emerged onto Court Philippe Chatrier for the last time on Sunday during a career celebration ceremony at the French Open. The 38-year-old, who retired from the game last November, was treated to a tribute by the Roland Garros crowd, with fans donning various coloured t-shirts to spell out the message “14 RG, Rafa”. Nadal dominated the French Open after prevailing on debut as a teenager in 2005, taking the trophy an unprecedented 14 times. The Spaniard rounded out his career with a staggering 112-4 win-loss record at the clay-court Grand Slam.
Last Match and Career Reflections of Rafael Nadal
He won the title most recently in 2022 and played his last match on the Paris clay last year when he lost to Alexander Zverev in the opening round.
“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,” an emotional Nadal told the crowd after watching a video of his career highlights at Roland Garros.
Nadal’s Family and Former Coaches in Attendance
Nadal’s friends and family looked on from the player’s box, as did most of his former coaching staff, including uncle Toni.
“Without doubt, the most important tennis court of my career,” Nadal added to cheers.
“It’s been an incredible story that began back in 2004 when I came to Roland Garros for the very first time. I could barely walk on crutches due to a foot injury. I climbed to the top of the court and looked out and couldn’t wait to play here.”
Nadal took the title the following year after that injury reverse, beating Mariano Puerta in the final.
Djokovic, Federer, Murray Join Nadal on Court
Nadal’s arch-rivals Novak Djokovic, who had just won his 100th ATP title on Saturday, Roger Federer and Andy Murray all greeted him on the central Chatrier court.
The three friends stepped out following Nadal’s address to welcome their fellow former world number one, to deafening applause by fans.
Rafael Nadal Reflects on Rivalries and Friendships
“After all these years fighting for everything, it’s unbelievable how time changes the perspective of things,” Nadal said to the other members of the ‘Big Four’.
“All the nerves, pressure, strange feelings when you see each other when you’re rivals, it’s completely different when you finish your career.
“We built amazing rivalries but I think in a good way, we fought hard for titles but were good colleagues and respected one another…
“It means a lot that you’re all here. I really enjoyed a lot pushing myself to the limit every single day to compete with all of you.”
Retirement and Tribute Plans of Rafael Nadal
Nadal retired his racquet after the 2024 Davis Cup Finals in Malaga, first depriving him of a chance to bid farewell to his beloved fans in Paris.
His record of 14 victories at one Grand Slam will likely remain untouched, with only Margaret Court’s 11 Australian Open titles coming close.
A Unique Trophy for the King of Clay
Nadal was given a unique trophy to mark his French Open record, with an impression of his footprint etched into the clay.
The 22 Grand Slam title winner was given a farewell after his last match during the Davis Cup, but French tennis federation boss Gilles Moretton had stated earlier this year that “the tribute was not, in my opinion, what it should have been”.
He told he had visited Nadal at his house in December with Roland Garros tournament director Amelie Mauresmo to plan for Sunday’s ceremony.
