Ultimate warrior Rafael Nadal cast giant steps across Court Philippe Chatrier punishing opponents in the process.
Seeing his footprint embedded on Roland Garros’ center stage moved the 14-time French Open champion to tears.
In a touching tribute, Roland Garros celebrated Rafael Nadal’s brilliant career with one of the most emotional, dramatic and classy send-offs a Grand Slam has delivered to an iconic champion.
The tournament supplied celebratory “Merci, Rafa” t-shirts to fans creating a sea of salmon-colored subjects, including Iga Swiatek and Carlos Alcaraz, embracing the King of Clay in loving and massive group hug on Court Philippe Chatrier. There were smiles, tears and emotional embraces throughout with Nadal himself standing alone behind a wooden podium delivering a moving thank you to all who were part of his wondrous ride.
Some of the most most moving moments came when Nadal thanked his family, when the tournament brought out the behind-the-scenes staffers, including his driver, who supported Nadal throughout his Roland Garros career, the unveiling of a white plaque bearing Nadal’s name, his 14 RG titles and footprint and when a video tribute from Big 4 rivals Roger Federer, Novak Djokovic and Andy Murray gave way to the trio walking out onto the crimson-colored stage to embrace an emotional Nadal.
Parting can be poignant—seeing the iconic Big 4 champions celebrate Nadal together, standing as one, was profoundly powerful, moving many fans to tears.
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Shortly after stepping off court, Federer told TNT’s Mary Joe Fernandez it was fitting closure for the clay court king—and his way of paying respect to his rival.
“Farewells are important when you have his level—he’s a giant of the game,” Federer told TNT’s Mary Joe Fernandez. “If we can add a little something by being here with Novak and Andy I think it’s a nice thing.
“I know it meant the world to me when I had my guys around [retiring at Laver Cup].
“It’s also good closure, respect from me personally for Rafa and his family and his team. We played so long and so hard against each other, I was not gonna miss it.”
