As the sun dipped low over Paris, something special unfolded at Court Philippe-Chatrier. Rafael Nadal—back at the French Open for the first time since hanging up his racket—stood before thousands in a moment that felt both familiar and surreal. After two decades of crushing forehands and clay dominance, the roars of “Rafa! Rafa!” still echoed. But this time, it wasn’t about titles. It was about saying goodbye. And even NBA HOF Pau Gasol, seated in the stands, couldn’t hold back his emotions.
Naturally, the crowd was all in. Fans packed the iconic venue, many wearing white shirts that read “Merci Rafa,” a tribute specially designed for the occasion. It was a sea of gratitude for the man who had conquered Roland Garros a jaw-dropping 14 times. Yet, unlike the Rafa we’re used to—rocking his bandana, taped fingers, and signature capris—this time, he walked out in a crisp suit. A different look, but the same beloved warrior.
Nadal acknowledged the fans with his classic wave, only for the organisers to cue up a video that took everyone down memory lane. From his signature fist pumps to that iconic “Vamos!” roar, it was all there. And suddenly, the indestructible champion was in tears. Not just misty-eyed—he sobbed openly and uncontrollably.
Meanwhile, Pau Gasol couldn’t stay silent. He took to Instagram, posting photos from the day with a heartfelt caption: “I’m still getting goosebumps! Roland Garros has dressed up to pay you the tribute you deserve. You’re a living legend in world sport, my friend. Thank you for letting me be with you on such a special occasion. I love you, @rafaelnadal!”
To top it all off, the arena was filled with legends. Roger Federer, Novak Djokovic, and Andy Murray—all present. Carlos Alcaraz and Iga Swiatek? Also in the crowd. So now, let’s take a look at what Nadal himself said during that emotional farewell.
Pau Gasol saw emotional Nadal addressing the day
Rafael Nadal had known this moment would be tough, but even he didn’t expect it to hit this hard. “I have been very, very emotional, I think it was perfect, honestly. I couldn’t expect a more emotional day,” Nadal shared, eyes still watery. A year ago, when he bowed out in the first round against Zverev in the French Open, the farewell felt incomplete. At the time, he chose to walk off quietly, unsure if it was truly the end. But after calling it quits officially at the Davis Cup in Malaga, this—Roland Garros—was always going to be the place where the heart says goodbye.
Roland Garros was never just another tournament for Nadal—it was his kingdom. He owned the clay like no one else in tennis history, racking up an unreal 112-4 win-loss record and 14 titles. He even joked, “To win 14 grand slams [titles] in the same place, here in Roland Garros, that can happen. But it’s gonna take a while, at least 30 more years.”
Meanwhile, the crowd made sure every detail screamed legacy. After Musetti’s match wrapped up, fans in orange shirts read “Merci Rafa,” while others in white formed a giant tribute message: “14 RG” and “Rafa” wrapped in hearts. Nadal gave a moving speech in French, English, and Spanish, pausing often to look at his parents, his uncle Toni, his wife Mery, and their son. It was deeply personal, just like his journey.
Soon after, Federer, Djokovic, and Murray stepped onto the court. Nadal said, “To have my three biggest rivals there in the court with me meant a lot, no?… You don’t need to hate the opponent to try to beat him with all your forces.”
Finally, the emotional blow came. A plaque bearing Nadal’s footprint and signature was revealed, cementing him into the heart of Roland Garros forever. Even Pau Gasol, watching from the crowd, must’ve felt the goosebumps.
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