Rafael Nadal bid farewell to the French Open on Sunday, marking the end of an era in tennis. The 22-time Grand Slam champion, who has won all four majors at least once, was visibly emotional as he stepped onto Court Philippe-Chatrier for his final match.
Nadal expressed gratitude to fans, thanking them for their unwavering support over the years. Fellow tennis greats Roger Federer, Novak Djokovic, and Andy Murray joined him on court in a touching tribute. The crowd of 15,000 wore “Merci Rafa” T-shirts in honor of the departing champion.
A permanent plaque of Nadal’s footprint will be placed next to a net post on the court, a permanent reminder of his legacy. When asked about the permanent plaque, Nadal said it brought tears to his eyes: “Knowing that’s going to be forever there, it’s a present that I can’t describe in words.”
Nadal retired last November after an illustrious career spanning 22 Grand Slam titles, with 14 of those coming at Roland Garros. He played his final match at the tournament last year and is now enjoying life beyond tennis.
On retirement, Nadal said he feels “at peace” and doesn’t miss playing tennis. However, he acknowledged that the adrenaline rush from sports can be difficult to replicate in other aspects of life. Despite this, he expressed excitement for his new chapter and plans to play exhibition matches.
Nadal paid tribute to his family, including his uncle Toni, who served as a coach, and wife Maria. He also praised the crowd’s love and support, saying “You made me feel like another Frenchman here.” As he departed Roland Garros, Nadal thanked tournament organizers and expressed gratitude for the incredible memories created at this iconic venue.
Nadal’s farewell marks the end of an era in tennis, but his legacy will live on. The Spaniard’s impact on the sport extends beyond his impressive career stats, as he has shown that it is possible to maintain close relationships with rivals during high-pressure competition.
Source: https://www.espn.com/tennis/story/_/id/45317714/fans-rivals-celebrate-rafael-nadal-french-open-ceremony