Rafael Nadal honoured at Roland Garros: 'It has been an incredible story'

Rafael Nadal

Nadal honoured during unforgettable Roland Garros ceremony: 'It has been an incredible story'

Djokovic, Federer, Murray in attendance

DIMITAR DILKOFF/AFP via Getty Images Rafael Nadal was honoured on Sunday at Roland Garros. By Sam Jacot

Rafael Nadal was honoured at Roland Garros on Sunday in a special farewell ceremony that celebrated his extraordinary legacy in Paris. In a poignant tribute, the 14-time champion took a final bow on the Court Philippe-Chatrier, the stage where he carved out his legacy.

In the afternoon Paris sun, Nadal stood before a capacity crowd, which included Carlos Alcaraz and WTA star Iga Swiatek, clad in ‘Merci Rafa’ shirts. A stirring video montage played across the screens, capturing the thunderous forehands, the triumphant roars and the iconic trophy lifts that defined his reign at the clay-court major. Towards the end of the ceremony his great rivals, Novak Djokovic, Roger Federer and Andy Murray, joined him on court.

With emotion in his eyes, Nadal watched the memories unfold, taking in the magnitude of his historic achievements before he spoke openly to the crowd.

“Good evening everyone, this is difficult for me,” said Nadal, fighting back the tears. “I don't know how to start after having played on this court during the past 20 years. To have enjoyed, suffered, won, lost… Above all, [I’m] emotional that I had the chance to play here.

“My infinite gratitude to Gilles [Moretton], Amelie [Mauresmo] and the entire Roland Garros team for giving me the opportunity to have this farewell on without a doubt the most important tennis court in my career."

Photo Credit: Getty Images

Nadal’s legacy at Roland Garros is unparalleled. Since his title winning debut in 2005, the Spaniard transformed the clay courts of Paris into his personal domain, claiming a record 14 titles. From 2005 to 2008, Nadal won four straight titles, defeating Federer in the final on three occasions and most notably in 2008, when he lost just four games to the Swiss.

After a shock fourth-round loss to Robin Soderling in 2009, his first defeat at Roland Garros, Nadal returned in 2010 to avenge that loss against the Swede in the final and begin another five-year title streak. His 2012 victory against Djokovic gave him a record seventh crown, surpassing Bjorn Borg. La Decima arrived in 2017, as Nadal claimed his historic 10th Roland Garros title with a dominant win.

“It has been an incredible story that began back in 2004 when I came to Roland Garros for the very first time. I could barely walk due to my foot injury but that year I climbed to the top of the court on my crutches," Nadal said. "I dreamed of coming back the following year. In 2005, I was finally able to play here for the first time. I was 18 years old and my first major experience was the match that I played against my childhood friend and rival Richard Gasquet. From that day on, I fully understood what Roland Garros meant.

“I experienced everything over these 20 years. I have had incredible rivals — like Andy, Novak and of course Roger — and many others who pushed me to my physical and mental limits. Truly nothing would be as thrilling without these long-lasting rivalries that have driven all of us to improve every single day. Roland Garros is unique. Not only because it is a fundamental part of history but for all the people who work tirelessly, with a smile, to make this tournament what it is, unique.”

A major part of the Spaniard’s success was down to coach Toni Nadal, who helped guide his nephew to 10 Roland Garros crowns between 2005-2017.

“Toni, you are the reason why I am here,” Nadal said during the ceremony. “Thank you for giving up a large part of your life to want to be with me. Training, talking, making me suffer, making me laugh, and also bringing me to my limits. What we have lived was not always easy, but without any doubt, it was worth it.”

Nadal ended his career holding a 112-4 tournament record, according to Infosys Stats.

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