Roland Garros honored Rafael Nadal with an emotional tribute, celebrating his unparalleled legacy at the French Open. The ceremony took place on Court Philippe-Chatrier, marking the opening day of the tournament and commemorating the 14-time French Open champion's remarkable career.

Nadal's connection to Roland Garros is legendary. Between 2005 and 2022, he secured 14 titles, amassing a 112-4 match record at the venue. His dominance on the clay courts of Paris earned him the moniker "King of Clay." In recognition of his contributions, a statue of Nadal's signature forehand was unveiled at the tournament grounds in 2021.

The tribute ceremony featured a heartwarming video montage highlighting Nadal's journey from his 2005 debut to his final match in 2024. The crowd, many wearing "Merci Rafa" shirts, witnessed the unveiling of a plaque on Court Philippe-Chatrier, bearing Nadal's footprint and signature. Tennis legends Roger Federer, Novak Djokovic, and Andy Murray joined the event, emphasizing the camaraderie and respect Nadal garnered throughout his career.

A Legendary Rafa Moment

In his speech, Nadal expressed profound gratitude to his family, fans, and competitors. He acknowledged the French Tennis Federation's role in his journey and reflected on the special place Roland Garros held in his heart. The ceremony concluded with Nadal, holding his young son, waving to the crowd, encapsulating a poignant farewell to the tournament that defined much of his career.

“I didn't know anything about the ceremony. The only thing that I knew before going there was going to be a video when I go on, then my speech, and then a couple of surprises,” said Nadal when asked of the plaque. “They didn't want me to know that. Then when I saw [it], I thought it was going to be just for this year. Knowing that's going to be forever there, it's a present that I can't describe in words.”

It is a huge honor for Nadal’s career – and he was emotional to see all of his massive achievements on the clay surface. It was a special moment that Nadal would never forget. This tribute not only celebrated Nadal's achievements but also underscored the deep bond between the tennis icon and Roland Garros, ensuring his legacy endures for generations to come.

“To have my three biggest rivals there on the court with me meant a lot, and at the same time it's a great message for the world: That the best rivals, toughest rivalries probably in the history of our sport are able to be good colleagues, to respect each other,” said Nadal.

A Historic Dominance by Nadal

From his debut win in 2005 at just 19 years old to his final title in 2022, Nadal amassed an astonishing 14 French Open titles — a record that stands unmatched in the Open Era. With a staggering 112-4 win-loss record on the Parisian clay, Nadal maintained a winning percentage of over 96% at Roland Garros, a level of supremacy never before seen at a single Grand Slam tournament. His combination of heavy topspin, relentless movement, and mental fortitude proved nearly impossible to counter on the slow, red surface.

Beyond Roland Garros, Nadal’s mastery on clay extended across the ATP Tour. He has won 63 clay-court titles, including 11 Monte Carlo Masters and 10 Rome Masters, making him the all-time leader in titles on that surface. His playing style — built around explosive lateral movement, a punishing lefty forehand, and unmatched consistency — perfectly suited the demands of clay.

As noted on the official Roland Garros website, “Nadal didn’t just win on clay — he redefined how to play on it,” becoming a symbol of both technical prowess and emotional intensity on the court.