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Watch: Rafael Nadal breaks down as French Open pays emotional tribute to its record winner

Rafael Nadal was given a rousing tribute on the first day of the first French Open to be played since he announced his retirement last year.

Rafael Nadal gets emotional during a farewell ceremony at center court Philippe-Chatrier, at the Roland-Garros stadium. (AP Photo)

Rafael Nadal couldn’t hold back the tears as he was given an emotional tribute at the Court Philippe-Chatrier in the first day of the 2025 French Open, the first one to be held since the Spanish great announced his retirement. Nadal’s 14 Roland Garros wins is the most for any player at a single Grand Slam by some margin. Additionally it is more than the next two put together on the list of most successful men’s players at the French Open.

Nadal retired on November 19 last year. He stepped out into Court Philippe-Chatrier on Sunday wearing a dark suit and dark dress shirt, waving to the crowd that had filled up practically every available seat in the 15,000-capacity arena. A highlights video started playing at which point Nadal seemed to be fighting tears. Eventually, the floodgates opened as he gave his speech. .“This is tough,” he began, in French. “Good evening, everyone. I don’t know where to start after playing on this court for the past 20 years. Winning, losing — but especially being moved every time I’ve had the chance to be here.”

Emotional times on Philippe-Chatrier 🥲#RolandGarros pic.twitter.com/DKyz9ESRc8

— Roland-Garros (@rolandgarros) May 25, 2025

“Thank you, France. Thank you, Paris. You have given me emotions and moments I could never have imagined. You can never know how gratifying it is to be appreciated in the place that matters most. … You made me feel like a Frenchman,” Nadal said. “I can no longer play in front of you anymore, but my heart and my memories will always be linked to this magical place.”

A 🐐 moment.#RolandGarros pic.twitter.com/eK4vq42coO

— Roland-Garros (@rolandgarros) May 25, 2025

The 39-year-old Nadal was eventually joined by his three greatest rivals, Roger Federer, Novak Djokovic and Andy Murray. Fans received T-shirts matching the rust color of the clay on the court below, with “MERCI RAFA” in white, capital letters and Sunday’s date stamped on the front. Carlos Alcaraz, the 22-year-old Spaniard who is considered Nadal’s heir apparent and the defending champion this year at the French Open, wore a rust-colored shirt while in the stands for the ceremony.

Depending on where they were sitting, some people in the crowd received white shirts that, when seen together, spelled out particular messages, including “14 RG” next to a representation of the La Coupe des Mousquetaires trophy awarded to the men’s champion at Roland-Garros. Another part of the upper deck showed “RAFA” between two hearts.Toward the end of the proceedings, which closed with yet another ovation, Nadal was shown a new plaque that’s been placed near the stands on the side of the court opposite the chair umpire’s stand: It is a white rectangle which bears his footprint, his name, “14” and a sketch of the tournament trophy.