The “Big Four” of men’s tennis, Rafael Nadal, Roger Federer, Novak Djokovic, and Andy Murray, reunited today at Roland Garros for an emotional farewell to 14-time French Open champion Rafael Nadal.
The ceremony honoured Nadal’s retirement, which took effect at the end of last year.
Court Philippe Chatrier, transformed into a terracotta tribute matching the clay Nadal dominated, saw 15,000 fans, including current champions Carlos Alcaraz and Iga Swiatek, give Nadal a minute-long standing ovation.
An emotional Nadal, 37, addressed his former rivals, now friends. “After all these years fighting for everything, it’s unbelievable how time changes the perspective of things,” he shared, highlighting the shift from intense competition to mutual respect.
He embraced Federer, Djokovic, and Murray, the latter having travelled from London specifically for the event, underscoring their deep friendship.
Murray noted Nadal’s unprecedented 14 French Open titles: “I genuinely think that this one, I would be really very, very surprised if that gets broken. It is going to stand the test of time.”
The ceremony included a video montage of Nadal’s iconic Roland Garros moments and a tearful thank you to his uncle Toni, who coached him to 16 major titles. To conclude, a silver plaque bearing Nadal’s footprint was unveiled next to the Chatrier net post.
“It was perfect. I could not have expected a more emotional day,” Nadal said, despite his self-professed shyness. The reunion of these tennis titans for one last tribute to the “King of Clay” created an unforgettable moment in tennis history.
