The French Open and Rafael Nadal have a special connection. The Spaniard is the tournament’s most successful player, having won at Roland Garros a record 14 times. While it all began in 2005, Nadal’s success here spans almost two decades. Last year, he played his final French Open tournament, where he lost in the first round against Alexander Zverev. A year after having played his final match on the clay courts in Paris, Nadal received a heartwarming tribute at the tournament today, which made him and his family emotional.
The action at the 2025 French Open started on an eventful note, as the tournament’s most successful player, Nadal, and his family were present at the Court Philippe-Chatrier. To honor Nadal, a special ceremony was planned by the French Open. As the tribute video played, showing Nadal’s victories over the years, thousands of spectators present in the stadium gave Nadal a standing ovation.
The atmosphere was chilling as the vibes of Nadal-Nadal echoed in the court. This heartfelt tribute made Nadal emotional, and tears rolled down his cheeks as he remembered all the special moments that he had on this court over the years. Additionally, Nadal’s wife, Mery Perelló, and their son, Rafael Junior, were also present in the stands, and emotions took over the Nadal family as the tribute video played.
Rafa Nadal gets emotional while watching his Roland Garros tribute.
The crowd erupts for him and starts singing to him.
Hard to not get chills watching this.
— The Tennis Letter (@TheTennisLetter) May 25, 2025
However, there was one glaring difference from the time Rafael Nadal used to play here to his appearance today. The Spaniard traded his familiar headband or the tape on his fingers for a dark suit and a matching dark dress shirt. As the video played, Nadal smiled broadly and waved at the applauding, adoring crowd. Subsequently, he lowered his lip and became emotional on a special day.
Meanwhile, former World Number 1, Novak Djokovic, was asked about Nadal’s dominance at the French Open. The 24-time Grand Slam champion opened up about Nadal’s superiority here to having won fewer Roland Garros titles himself.
Novak Djokovic on his success at the French Open
During his illustrious career, Djokovic has won three Roland Garros titles, which is the fewest Grand Slam tournament that he has won among the four majors. While he has won the US Open on four occasions, Nadal has 10 Australian Open titles and 7 Wimbledon titles to his credit. However, Djokovic opened up about the fact that Nadal’s success here brought him fewer titles.
During an interview, Djokovic said, “Probably not, to be completely honest. For me, but for Federer as well. Nadal was unbeatable there for a long time — he lost only a few times at Court Philippe-Chatrier. Every time you walk on that court there with him, he is the favourite. Even at the Olympics, he had injury trouble, I was in better form, but still, you know it’s the highest mountain to climb. He is the biggest, perhaps the only reason why I don’t have more Roland Garros titles, but I say – every win against him there is worth double.”
While Nadal has called time on his illustrious career, Djokovic has a glorious opportunity to add a few French Open titles to his kitty. However, it would be easier said than done, with the likes of Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner posing a stiff challenge. Can Djokovic win another Roland Garros title? Let us know your views in the comments below.
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