New Delhi: Rafael Nadal will be celebrated at this year's French Open in acknowledgment of his extraordinary legacy and accomplishments at Roland Garros, according to Olympics.com.
The 38-year-old Spaniard, a 22-time Grand Slam champion, holds the record for 14 titles won on the clay courts of Paris. The tribute will occur on the tournament's opening Sunday, May 25, on Court Philippe-Chatrier, following the day's matches.
Nadal, who is a two-time Olympic champion (singles in Beijing 2008 and doubles in Rio 2016), announced his retirement in November of last year. His impressive win-loss record at Roland Garros stands at 112-4, and there are intentions for him to assume an ambassadorial position at the Grand Slam.
Gilles Moretton, president of the French Tennis Federation, commented on the tribute, stating, "It's a love story. It's essential to discuss this love story because he has profound respect for the tournament and the clay, and we share the same respect for him as a player and the ambassador he can become for Roland Garros and the federation."
Tournament director Amelie Mauresmo mentioned that the specifics of the ceremony will be kept under wraps.
"Rafa has undeniably left a significant mark on the history of Roland Garros in various ways, and his 14 titles may remain unmatched in any Grand Slam tournament. Although he will not compete this year, he will be very much present with us for the 2025 edition. Rafa has a strong connection with Roland Garros, and we want to keep the details a surprise," she stated.
Nadal secured his inaugural title in Paris in 2005 and claimed his most recent one in 2022. His last participation in the French Open occurred in 2024, where he was defeated in the first round by Alexander Zverev.
With this victory, Zverev became only the third player in history to overcome Nadal at Roland Garros, following in the footsteps of Robin Soderling and Novak Djokovic, who has achieved this feat twice.
Additionally, Nadal competed on the clay courts of Paris during last year's Olympics, where he lost to the eventual champion Djokovic in the second round of singles and exited the doubles event alongside Carlos Alcaraz in the quarter-finals.
