Retired Tennis great Rafael Nadal couldn't control his emotions as he was paid a touching tribute at the Roland Garros 2025 on May 25 (Sunday) at the Philippe-Chatrier court. With a video getting played to pay tribute to a glittering French Open career and the spectators clapping, the Spainard couldn't control his tears as a clip of the same emerged on social media.
Known as the 'King of Clay', the veteran Tennis star holds the record for winning the most French Open titles among men and women in history with 14, the last of which came in 2022. He lifted the coveted trophy consecutively between 2005-2008, 2010-2014 and 2017-2020. The 38-year-old retired from professional tennis in November 2024, citing continuous injury problems. In all, Nadal retired after winning 22 grand slams.
Watch the emotional moment here:
"It's been an incredible story that began back in 2004" - Rafael Nadal
Speaking during the monumental occasion, the 38-year-old remembered how he was keen to come back in 2005 after struggling from a foot injury the year before. He went on to remember his battles against Richard Gasquet, Roger Federer and Novak Djokovic, claiming how much the tournament means to him. Nadal elaborated:
"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 during my foot injury. But that year I climbed to the top of court on crutches and looking at it from up there. I dreamed of coming back the following year to compete. In 2005, I was finally able to compete here for the first time. I was 18 years old. And my first major experience was the match I played against my childhood friend and rival Richard Gasquet. From that day on, I fully understood what Roland Garros meant."
"I've experienced everything over these twenty years. I've had incredible rivals, like Andy, Roger and Novak. And of course, many others who pushed me to my physical and mental limits. Truly, nothing could've been as thrilling as these long lasting rivalries that have driven all of us to improve every single day. Roland Garros is unique, not only because it's a fundamental part of tennis history. But also because of all the people who work tirelessly always with a smile to make this tournament what it is."
